NYCFC Players and Fans Reflect on 10th Anniversary

New York City FC fans, Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Hostetler, can still vividly remember where they were on March 8, 2015 – the day the club played its first-ever MLS match. Sanchez was in Orlando with a friend watching the game, while Hostetler caught the action from a soccer bar all the way in South Dakota. A decade later, as NYCFC gears up for its 10th-anniversary celebration, they find themselves feeling a sense of nostalgia as the team prepares to face Orlando City once again in their home opener.

For Sanchez and Hostetler, being there from the very beginning has been a special experience. Hostetler likened it to being present at the inaugural games of iconic New York sports teams like the Yankees or Mets, recognizing the significance of witnessing history in the making.

Over the past decade, NYCFC has achieved considerable success, including an MLS Cup title in 2021 and progress toward building a permanent stadium in Willets Point scheduled to open in 2027. This growth and development have been a testament to the dedication and support of fans like Hostetler and Sanchez, who have been on this journey from the start.

As the team gears up for their home opener at Yankee Stadium, events have been held leading up to the game to honor the anniversary season. Former player Andrea Pirlo, a key figure in the team’s early years, made appearances at practice sessions and events, reflecting on the club’s history and growth over the years.

The celebration will continue at the home opener with several alumni in attendance, including Kwadwo Poku, Tony Rocha, and R.J. Allen. NYCFC will be aiming for their first win of the season after a draw and a loss in their previous matches.

The team and its fans are excited to mark this milestone 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of memories, growth, and success that have brought them to this exciting moment in their history.