In the second part of our look back at the major talking points from 2016, we remember Frank Lampard Day and toast our #MVillaP…
July
NYCFC beat Red Bulls for the first time to get July off to a pleasing start and also racked up wins against New England, Montreal and Colorado. Andrea Pirlo and David Villa both appeared in the MLS All Star game and Maxime Chanot signed from KV Kortrijk. Frank Lampard scored the team's first-ever hat-trick.
Quote of the Month: “For me, 3 points is 3 points every game. But for our supporters, this game is a little different, and we’re happy for them.” Villa following Red Bulls win.
August
NYCFC defeated LA Galaxy in an August which also featured draws against San Jose Earthquakes and Columbus Crew and Frank Lampard also scored his 300th career goal. A defeat to Orlando City SC was a disappointing way to end the month following a four-match unbeaten run.
Quote of the Month: “Very important win, very important game. And we believe in our work. We believe we can play against anyone.” – Christian Lattanzio on Galaxy triumph
September
Three priceless wins and a draw lit up a September which saw NYCFC reach the MLS Playoffs for the first time. Frank Lampard Day was celebrated in style as the midfielder scored a brace in a 3-2 win over DC United.
Quote of the Month: “It was really unexpected and a real great touch. I certainly appreciate it on a personal level” – Frank Lampard
October
Plans for a new training facility in Orangeburg were announced in a month which saw NYCFC earn the Qualifying Round bye with a 4-1 win over Colorado Rapids. The team also travelled to Mexico to take on Necaxa in a friendly.
Quote of the Month: “Hard work made us qualify for the playoffs, of course when I look back to the team for our first game against Chicago we’ve improved. We have a clear philosophy on how we want to play the game” – Patrick Vieira
November
Toronto ended NYCFC’s hopes of progressing to the Eastern Conference finals as Yankee Stadium hosted MLS Playoffs action for the very first time. It was also announced that Frank Lampard would leave the club at the conclusion of his contract, while Andoni Iraola and Mehdi Ballouchy retired from the game.
Quote of the Month: “I have very much enjoyed my time, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city” – Frank Lampard
December
David Villa was voted MLS MVP in a month which also saw Sean Okoli and Sean Johnson become the first two signings of the offseason. It was also announced that NYCFC would be traveling to Ecuador to play Emelec in February.
Quote of the Month: “Today is one of the biggest days of my career. Two years and a half ago when I decided to come here some people thought maybe I had come here to find a home and retire. I tried every day to show to the people with my body that I come here to be strong and competitive - to show that I want to grow my career and to follow through, to make history.” – David Villa
