NYCFC News & Notes

 

NCYFC in action at Citi Field last Wednesday against Inter Miami. Photo by Jason Schott.

New York City Football Club released two important pieces of news on Tuesday, concerning the site of their final home game and a departure in the higher echelon of the team hierarchy.

WHERE THEY WILL PLAY SEATTLE: NYCFC announced that their final home game will be played at Citi Field on Saturday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m. 

This is also the one concluding the regular season on Decision Day, when NYCFC will find out where they finish and who they will face in the MLS Playoffs.

DAVID LEE DEPARTS: NYCFC Sporting Director David Lee will be leaving the team to join Sporting Kansas City as President of Soccer Operations and General Manager.

Lee joined NYCFC before they even played a game, in 2014 as Director of Player Recruitment. He then became Technical Director in 2017, and was then promoted to be the team's second-ever Sporting Director in '19. 

Under Lee's stewardship, NYCFC won the 2021 MLS Cup, and they have made the postseason in nine of the past 10 seasons.

Lee said in a statement, "After joining New York City FC in 2014 as one of the first employees and working in various roles for more than a decade, I have decided to accept a significant new challenge with Sporting Kansas City. This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but I believe ultimately, this is the right time for me and my family.

"Playing a part in growing this amazing Club from the ground up has been a truly unique opportunity and a tremendous honor. Together we created one of the most consistently high performing teams in MLS, and winning our first MLS Cup in 2021 will always be one of the proudest moments of my career and one of the highlights of my life.

"I believe the team is strong and in a great position; clinching a spot in the playoffs with several games to spare is a testament to the talent of our players and the incredible hard work from (Head Coach) Pascal Jansen and his team. From day one, we've built a family environment and winning culture, and I've been lucky to work with some of the best professionals in the industry at New York City FC and City Football Group. This is a special Club and has an unbelievably exciting future ahead, including the opening of Etihad Park in 2027."