Tag Archives: James Sands

Valley Of the Ashes, No More / Ep 449 / Blue City Radio

Episode 449:

This weekend was a high-point for NYCFC fans. The team capped off another victory against an Eastern Conference rival, DC United, but more importantly Mayor Adams and Councilman Moya were on hand in CitiField to officially recognize the approval of NYCFC’s soccer specific stadium in Willet’s Point.

The guys this week discuss the plans for the stadium and share some audio from Mayor Adams, NYCFC CEO, Brad Sims and NYCFC COO, Jennifer O’Sullivan.

They also break down the victory against a depleted DC United lineup including audio from Nick Cushing, Mounsef Bakrar, Kevin O’Toole, James Sands, and Keaton Parks.

Clean Sheets And Bangers / Ep 448 / Blue City Radio

Episode 448:

New York City FC won. New York City won by scoring more than one goal in a game. New York City won because they scored more goals than the opposing team. New York City FC… you get the idea.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen look back the team’s win against New England from last Saturday. The guys also discuss the latest updates on the stadium progress.

Inside the episode is audio from Nick Cushing, Matt Freese, Augustin Ojeda, James Sands, Thiago Martins, Malachi Jones, Birk Risa, Mitja Ilenic, Kevin O’Toole, Hannes Wolf, Andres Perea, Monsef Bakrar, and Keaton Parks.

(Insert Witty Title Here) / Ep 447 / Blue City Radio

Episode 447:

This is what we’ve come to. The well is running dry of ideas and excuses as to why New York City FC continues to waffle and struggle. This is no longer an anomaly. This is New York City FC’s identity under Nick Cushing with this current roster. Gone are the promises of turning it around. Gone are the dreams of being near the top of the table. Gone are the multi-goal games and rosters capable of winning Golden Boot honors.

This week Mike Anderer welcomes Adam and Justin from Post90 Podcast to fill in for Mike Allen and J.R. and the pair offer more support to Blue City Radio than Julian Fernandez and Augustin Ojeda have offered to New York City FC.

The trio go over the draw in CitiField that kicks off the five-game homestead for the club.

In the show they share quotes from Nick Cushing, Hannes Wolf, Thiago Martins, James Sands, Keaton Parks and Birk Risa.

Is Nick Cushing’s NYCFC The Antithesis of Entertainment? / Ep 446 / Blue City Radio

Episode 446:

New York City FC has been in a horrible scoring drought since the end of 2022. In 2023 the club average just over one goal per game and things are not looking better to start 2024 with the club in scoring in only half of their first six matches and only scoring more than a single goal only once this year.

The questions continue for the club. Both Sporting Director, David Lee, and Head Coach, Nick Cushing, have spoken highly of the new roster additions but many of the new players have yet to feature in matches. Cushing remains consistent in his approach of “form over freshness” by giving the same players minutes despite their lack of goals.

This week the guys take a look at the game from Miami, the questions about Nick Cushing’s tactics and look ahead at the next five home games for New York City FC.

A Step In the Process / Ep 444 / Blue City Radio

Episode 444:

New York City FC took a step towards redemption on Saturday night in Yankee Stadium. Against a severely depleted Toronto FC, Nick Cushing lead the team to a 2-1 victory. This is the first victory for the team after conceding the first goal since 2022.

This week Mike Anderer and Mike Allen welcome John Baney (@thePigeonsNYCFC) to the show to go over the game’s highlights.

In the second segment Greg Irwin, the General Manager for NPSL club FC Motown, joins the show to discuss the upcoming US Open Cup match against New York City FC II.

There’s also quotes from Birk Risa, Nick Cushing, Matt Freese and Thiago Martins.

St. Louis Blues / Ep 442 / Blue City Radio

Episode 442:

NYCFC travelled for the first time to St Louis. Nick Cushing knew the style of the club, the players knew what to expect from the opposition and still they looked woefully unprepared for the match. Credit where credit is due, St Louis are an excellent team, but NYCFC should not be man-handled the way they were.

This week Mike, JR and Mike Allen take a look back at the match and discuss the positives and the negatives of what they saw from the coach and the players.

In the second segment they share a conversation that Mike Anderer had at training with NYCFC draft-pick and rookie-signing, Malachi Jones.

Also stick around until the end of the show to learn how you can win a “Backer” level subscription to the newly updated Hudson River Blue.

Mr. Consistency, Nick Cushing / Ep 440 / Blue City Radio

Episode 440:

Is Nick Cushing Mister Consistency? Not based on his 2023 lineup decisions but this is 2024. NYCFC has a roster that he had a strong hand in shaping so now is the time for Nick to show us his true colors.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen discuss the last elements of preseason. They try to do their best at setting some over/under lines for some fun competition, but let’s face it, they’re pretty bad at it, hopefully it is at the very least some fun thought starter conversation.

2024 is finally upon us. Thanks to all of the listeners over the years! We are all extremely excited to get season 10 underway.

Unpacking NYCFC Preseason At Coachella / Ep 439 / Blue City Radio

Episode 439:

This week Mike Anderer and J.R. DeBart welcome Andrew Leigh from Hudson River Blue on the show as the three discuss the NYCFC preseason matches that were streamed from Indio, CA.

Andrew also gives a deeper look into his conversation with former NYCFC legend, Maxime Chanot, as they discuss the creation of La Fabrique Academy which opens in March of this year.

NYCFC’s New Look For 2024 / Ep 436 / Blue City Radio

Episode 436:

Most January’s are fairly quiet for NYCFC. But when you are coming off the worst season in your club’s history following the status quo is not the best look for the Front Office. On the first day of the 2024 MLS Pre-season the team was a flurry of signings and strong rumors.

This week Mike, J.R. deBart and Mike Allen return for their 10th season giving insight and analysis to NYCFC.

A huge thanks to all of the listeners and followers that are part of the NYCFC family for sticking with us all these years. Whether you listen every week, once a month, once a season or once every ten, you are appreciated.

Is NYCFC Turning Die-hard Fans Into Casual Fans? / Ep 431 / Blue City Radio

Episode 431:

The day would eventually come. The possibly lingered in the distance like a mirage in the desert. Was NYCFC going to keep their playoff appearance streak alive? No.

Now comes the reset. The team will continue to train for the next few weeks as the MLS Cup Playoffs roll on, but all of the sweat and determination will be steps towards success in 2024.

This week Mike, J.R. and Mike Allen tie a bow on the NYCFC season. They also include post-game audio from the locker room in CitiField from Birk Risa, Andres Jasson, Christian McFarlane, Keaton Parks and James Sands.