New York City FC has made several roster moves so that they can contend for a MLS Cup in 2023 and beyond. Here are the moves they have made thus far:
New York City Football Club announced that Midfielder Maxi Moralez will leave NYCFC to join Argentinian side Racing Club.
Moralez arrived in New York ahead of the 2017 season as the Club’s fourth Designated Player and has since made a huge impact in New York both on-and-off the field. In his six-year tenure, the midfielder played 194 matches, scoring 36 goals and providing 60 assists across all competitions, collecting an MLS Cup, Campeones Cup, an MLS All Star, MLS Best XI and NYCFC Team MVP nod along the way.
Midfielder Maxi Moralez said: “My family and I have decided to return Argentina, my country, after a very long time. It was a very difficult and personal decision for me, one of the most difficult decisions in my career because of what we’ve accomplished together here. I am happy here, and from the first day the fans have made me feel like one of them. Those memories combined with this City, the best city in the world, has really made this decision extremely hard.”
“Racing is where I started, they raised me, many years ago they gave me the opportunity to play professional football and be in the position I’m in today. It was a dream of mine, of my children and my family, to see me play at Racing and I’d like for it to come true for them.
“NYCFC has been six years of my life which I’ve enjoyed immensely, with so much happiness, with accomplishments and defeats, but I’ve always been so happy here playing for this Club. NYCFC is my longest tenured Club which makes me so proud because it’s a great Club, in a great City and being here is like being part of one big family.”
Moralez has been at the center of NYCFC’s success with his creativity, skill, hard work and leadership. During the historic 2021 MLS Cup run, Moralez played all four games, contributing with a goal and three assists. Backed by an excellent performance, Moralez converted a crucial penalty in the shootouts in Portland helping New York claim its first title in franchise history. The following season, the Argentine scored the game winning goal in the 2022 Campeones Cup at Yankee Stadium.
“I want to be remembered for the sacrifice and effort I always gave which characterizes me. At the end of the day, all the trophies and matches are forgotten, but being a good person and a good teammate is fundamental and that’s what I always tried to be,” said Moralez. “Thank you to all the fans and everyone at the Club. I will always remember you, I will always remember the best of times and all the moments we have shared together, which you take with you to the grave. I’m sure we will see each other again.”
Sporting Director David Lee said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have been able to get to know and work with Maxi. No one can deny the significant impact he’s had these past six seasons, he’ll always have legendary status at the Club and amongst our fans as he has given us so many fantastic memories. As well as his unbelievable skill, he has been a true professional since day one and a role model for our young players.
“Maxi has earned his place in the history of this Club. He will always be remembered in New York as an incredible player, whose presence and leadership were vital in us winning our first pieces of silverware. We understand it has always been Maxi’s dream to return to Argentina and know this has been an extremely difficult decision for him. He will be missed, but ultimately, we want what is best for him and his family.”
Touted as the “Little Genius,” known for his playmaking ability, the Rosario native departs as NYCFC’s all-time leader in assists and as the Club’s top scorer in MLS Cup Playoffs. The midfielder’s best season in The Bronx came in 2019, after finishing the season with seven goals and 20 assists, becoming just the third player in League history to make 20+ assists in a single season.
“Everyone at NYCFC would like to thank Maxi for everything he has given to this Club and New York City, we wish Maxi and his family all the best in Argentina,” said Lee.
Then the club was able to make an addition by announcing that Midfielder Matias Pellegrini has been claimed off waivers.
Pellegrini returns to New York after being acquired in August of last season. The Argentine made four appearances in the regular season, in addition to two appearances in the 2022 playoffs.
The defensive line got a huge boost when the club signed free agent defender Jose ‘Tony’ Alfaro through the 2023 season with an option for 2024.
The Mexican-born defender most recently played for D.C. United the past two seasons making 43 appearances while adding a goal and an assist. Alfaro made his professional debut after being drafted by the Seattle Sounders in 2016 making 24 appearances with the club culminating with an MLS Cup in 2016.
Alfaro said: “It’s an honor to be joining New York City Football Club. I would like to thank the Club for giving me the opportunity to be able to play in this great City and in front of its amazing fans, it was a no-brainer for me. I look forward to meeting everyone and hope to contribute to more team success this upcoming season.”
Sporting Director David Lee said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony to the Club. We are always looking at ways to continue to improve our roster, and with the addition of Leagues Cup this season, building a deep roster will be critical to be competitive across all competitions. We feel that Tony will add depth and quality at the center back position.
“Having played in MLS, Concacaf Champions League and in Liga MX we believe that Tony brings the necessary experience to add to our team. Everyone at NYCFC would like to welcome Tony to New York.”
The future stars of New York City FC were drafted when the team added Midfielder Malcolm Johnston, Forward Braudilio Rodrigues, and Forward Matthew ‘MD’ Myers in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
Johnston was selected with the 26th overall pick in the First Round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. The Maryland midfielder played and started all 17 games his senior season compiling six goals and eight assists. The Canadian captained his side both Junior and Senior years, and earned First Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten All-Tournament Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-Region Second Team accolades in 2022. Johnston is the brother of Canadian National Team right back Alistair Johnston.
With the 26th overall pick in the Second Round, NYCFC selected Forward Braudilio Rodrigues from Franklin Pierce University. The Portuguese native has had an impressive sophomore season scoring 20 goals and providing 22 assists in 26 games with the Ravens.
The Rutgers University Forward was selected with NYCFC’s final pick of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Matthew ‘MD’ Myers, played 21 games with the Scarlet Knights in 2022, scoring 13 goals and tallying seven assists. A product of the Philadelphia Union Academy, Myers earned All-Big South First Team accolades during his time at Rutgers.
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