The League Cup 2023 Run for New York City FC has come to an end as the Boys in Blue were knocked out of the Round of 32 by the New York Red Bulls by a final of 1-0.
There is a flurry of moves that the squad is making as the team currently now resets themselves for the return of Major League Soccer play. The good news is that MLS action starts back up against on August 20, so the guys have plenty of time to reflect get themselves organized and ready for their new rosters first test against Minnesota United.
It is going to take a bit for the new look Boys in Blue to gel as the likes of Julián Fernández and Andrés Perea are getting the hang of playing with their new teammates.
The team got even more exciting news as on August the 4 the franchise announced the signing of forward Alonso Martínez to the roster, as he comes to New York from Belgian side Lommel SK through the 2025 season with options for 2026 and 2027.
Martínez, as mentioned played with Lommel SK having made 36 appearances while scoring eight goals and nine assists with the squad. Alonso also brings experience from his time playing with Costa Rican clubs LD Alajuelense and Guadalupe FC as he totaled 188 matches recording 30 goals and 18 assists.
One of the great things about Alonso is that he brings Concacaf Champions League experience with him as he played with the Alajuelense club.
“We are excited to welcome Alonso to New York. Alonso is a player with great experience for his age, having played extensively in the Concacaf region, both domestically and for the Costa Rica National Team. Alonso also became a key player for Lommel SK across the last year and a half in Europe,” said Sporting Director David Lee of the addition of the forward to the squad. “He is an exciting attacking player who is entering his prime and will add more depth and competition to our front line both this year and in seasons to come.”
Martínez also going by the nickname of The ‘Tico’ also brings the experience of 14 appearances with the National Team, representing his country in World Cup qualifiers, the Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League with him. In addition, Alonso played soccer with the Costa Rica’s U23 team.
“I am thrilled to be joining New York City. It’s a Club and City that is a reference in this League. I hope to use the experience I have gained throughout my career to help this team achieve its goals this season,” said Alonso Martínez. “I can’t wait to get started and meet my new teammates and play in front of the New York faithful.”
It is going to be interesting to see how the team looks over these next few weeks, as it is all now preparation and training for the resumption of Major League Soccer action as New York City FC takes on Minnesota United on August 20 at Citi Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with the action airing on the Apple TV -MLS Season Pass subscription.
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