"The first goal in the game is a massive thing in our sport." Pascal Jansen said it after Columbus. The Pigeons proved it again in Charlotte. @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc and @justinegan.theoutfield.nyc look at how early goals for NYCFC led to two victories: www.theoutfield.nyc/p/the-first-...

Top notch analysis here from Paul!

After a hot start, #NYCFC is now winless in their last six league games. But, @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc writes, while the results have turned, the starting lineup has not. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/quicksand

Really hoping people resonate with The Replacements like I do for the latest at @theoutfield.nyc. Looked into the loss to Montreal, how it fits into NYCFC’s nightmarish six-game winless stretch, and why Keanu Reeves describes it best. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/quicksand

Brand-new podcast offering from us: The Blueprint, hosted by @thepigeonsnycfc.bsky.social and @treyfillmore.bsky.social, which picks a single topic and dives deep on that topic The inaugural episode: an attempt to define the tactics and principles of Pascal Jansen Ball

NYCFC and FC Cincinnati combined for eight goals with defensive ineptitude rather than attacking prowess. @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc analyzed the matchup between two defenses trying to one up each other in the worst ways. www.theoutfield.nyc/p/nobody-won...

NYCFC are struggling in the boxes in 2026 and their loss to Charlotte felt like a microcosm of that. I took a look at their seasonal trends in the penalty area and how a couple defensive lapses in/around the box cost them vs. Charlotte at @theoutfield.nyc!

Hello! Introductions are in order: We are your new source for the best in-depth coverage of soccer in New York, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Hudson River Blue Get to know the New York Soccer Journal, and consider subscribing or donating to support our coverage

“For a player whose DP contract designation often gets more discussion than his defense, New York City is lucky to have him at any price.”

Quantifying CB performance is super tough, but @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc makes it looks super easy to look past the DP tag to see how Thiago Martins ranks among the elite in MLS.

Wrote some words at @theoutfield.nyc on Vancouver’s dominant performance vs. NYCFC and why (surprise, surprise) the Pigeons really need Thiago Martins.

Looked into how approach to possession (or resilience to maintain it) changed by game state when writing on NYC vs STL for @theoutfield.nyc. Using avg. possession chain length as a proxy, the avg. change when leading by one goal in '25 was ~-15%, controlling each team's poss. at even game states.

In looking into the latest NYCFC game, came across some data that the Pigeons may alter their approach to possession more than most when leading by a goal in the Pascal Jansen era. They did so again vs. St. Louis and it cost them, read more words at @theoutfield.nyc!

Kevin Nelson from @theoutfield.nyc with some interesting data on protecting a lead with specific references to New York City FC vs St. Louis City SC. open.substack.com/pub/theoutfi... #NYCFC #MLS #VANvNYC #NYCvSTL

Maxi Moralez (39 y.o.) and Leo Messi (38 y.o.) epitomized the “old man game” when they faced off last week. Just a couple of veteran Argentines controlling the game at half the speed as every one else on the field. Wrote words on their battle on @theoutfield.nyc

Pascal Jansen showed his tactical flexibility vs. Colorado as NYCFC launched and squished their way to another victory. Deep dive into how they did so at @theoutfield.nyc

Keaton Parks is one of the best midfielders in MLS, but he essentially played striker vs. Orlando City. Here's 3+ minutes of Parks doing striker things, read more at theoutfield.substack.com/p/three-for-.... vimeo.com/1173366871?s...

third in a row, @kevinnelson.theoutfield.nyc has yet another great recap out, always must read I’m very lucky not just to be able to break down X’s and O’s with guys post-match, but also have the privilege to experience chatting with KP after a brace given what he’s been through 👇

Turns out it’s easier playing up a man. I wrote about how NYCFC took advantage of their third consecutive opponent red card, this time vs Orlando with some fun Keaton Parks striker stuff.

Chris continues to be the undisputed voice for all NYCFC stadium news, always a must read.

There was some good and there was some bad from NYCFC in dealing with the Union’s typical chaos. None of it may have mattered as much as referee Chris Penso though, I wrote about it all with @theoutfield.nyc.

Galaxy RW Pec dropped into the backline whenever NYCFC LB O'Toole advanced up the wing. Rotating attackers into the space Pec vacated created gaps in the defense. Here are some examples, but NYC were unable to take advantage before LA could recover. More here: www.theoutfield.nyc/p/stuck-in-f...

I wrote some words on how the Galaxy gave NYCFC some gaps to attack out wide but the Pigeons were unable to capitalize. Some concerning signs from the attack highlight the importance of figuring out a solution at CF and getting a healthy Keaton Parks season.

Last week’s Montreal v. NYCFC game featured more tactical nuance than I was expecting. I wrote about the battle between acting head coaches Marco Donadel & Mehdi Ballouchy & how NYCFC struggled to find ways to defend Montreal’s inside fullbacks, w/ Dante Sealy as one of the primary beneficiaries.

The Outfield early-season mailbag just published! We answered questions on Pascal Jansen's tactics, how hopeful to be about Julian Fernandez/Agustin Ojeda, whether David Lee is full of crap, and more! www.theoutfield.nyc/p/pigeon-pos...

Been impressed w/ the development of Justin Haak's passing profile, particularly as a CB. Been more on the ball, & advancing it more forward when he is. Vertical dist/pass 22: 2.04 23: 4.12 24: 5.26 25: 7.03 Touch % 22: 4.7% 23: 7.3% 24: 5.3% 25: 9.9% Data: @americansocceranalysis.com