After a long week of three matches and seven points, New York City FC has been the talk of the town... Here are some of the top headlines over the past week! The week kicked off with a 2-0 win away at Eastern Conference pacesetters D.C. United, which saw Héber announce himself to the NYCFC Fam with a goal and an assist.
The transition to MLS can be difficult, but the Brazilian certainly seems to have found his groove with two goals and two assists in his previous three outings.
MLS Soccer's Dylan Butler wrote a piece called, 'NYCFC's Heber adjusting to "American style" of play, hoping for more goals,' in which he says:
"That’s just part of his acclimation to a new team, new tactical style, a new league and a new country.
“It’s very difficult to change the style of the game, style of the tactical coach, you need to turn off the Croatia side and turn on the American style,” Heber said. “But here my teammates are very good guys, very welcoming and they helped me a lot to get acclimated with the team.
"Sunday’s match was also the first time Heber was able to play with Maxi Moralez and Alexandru Mitrita in the attacking third, making his first MLS start even easier.
"The goal isn’t the only thing that makes Heber feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. He’s moved out of a hotel and into his own home near some of his teammates, who he said have been very welcoming.
"Heber said his initial impressions about MLS from conversations he had with FC Dallas’ Marquinhos Pedroso, a Brazilian compatriot, and Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach, a former teammate in Croatia, have been reaffirmed in his first three weeks here.
“Before I came I asked them about the league and they told me amazing things,” he said."
READ: Five Points | Seven Days, Seven Points
Another NYCFC player who has found his place in Dome Torrent's game plan is James Sands. Sands, who has become a fixture in the starting backline.
Goal.com's Ives Galarcep believes Sands' performances this season could see him appear at the U-20 FIFA World Cup in the Stars & Stripes.
Galarcep writes: "James Sands began 2019 as a young prospect considered a long shot for regular minutes with New York City FC, and someone unlikely to be part of Tab Ramos's Under-20 World Cup plans.
"Four months into the year, Sands has become a consistent starter for NYCFC, and is playing well enough to be considered a contender for the U.S. U-20 World Cup team.
"He has been integral to NYCFC's recent turnaround, which has seen Dome Torrent's side put together a five-match unbeaten streak.
"Few could have imagined his emergence as a regular starter after a modest 2018 that saw him make three starts last summer. His steady play, first in midfield, and more recently in central defense, has won over Torrent and impressed his teammates.
"Sands is no stranger to international competition, having been a key starter for the United States at the U-17 World Cup in 2017. With two more weeks to go before Tab Ramos names his U-20 World Cup squad, Sands is still far from a sure bet to make the team, but he has secured the confidence of his club coach and should continue to earn chances to impress as he gains both confidence and experience.
"If he continues to play well for NYCFC, he could make it very difficult for Ramos to pass on him."
WATCH: Season 5 Preview | James Sands
NYCFC youth teams have been in the news as well this week, after returning from the Dallas Cup tournament, the U-19s got busy last weekend.
The team faced off against the New York Red Bull U-19s and MLS Soccer's Alicia Rodriguez writes: "NYCFC's U-19 team blasted their Red Bulls counterparts by a 6-0 scoreline on Saturday in U.S. Soccer Development Academy play, with Jonathan Jimenez scoring four goals for the Cityzens in the romp. First-team midfielder Justin Haak featured in the match for the Cityzens."
Next, it's the First Team's turn come July 14... you've got to love a derby day.
READ: ACADEMY: NYCFC U17s & U19s Return From Dallas
Stay tuned for more as the Boys in Blue head off on the road for the next four games... Until then, secure your seats for the upcoming home games below #ForTheCity.
