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NYCFC wraps up a whirlwind trip to Manchester

We're here to give you the lowdown on what you may have missed during New York City's busy preseason visit to England.

By Jessica Koury
New York City take part in their first preseason match in Manchester.
New York City take part in their first preseason match in Manchester.
New York City FC

New York City FC recently traveled to Manchester to take advantage of the new state-of-the-art training facilities at the City Football Academy. Here's a recap of everything that went down during their 10 day visit.

Friday, February 6

The guys arrived at the CFA for their first training session after a red eye flight from New York.

Saturday, February 7:

After a morning training session, the team took in a game at the Etihad.

Is that the VIP section? I hope they brought binoculars.

Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Sebastian Velasquez, Ned Grabavoy, and Chris Wingert were welcomed onto the pitch at halftime for a quick interview.

A wonderful behind-the-scenes tour led by none other than Jeb "The Stache" Brovsky. This is a must watch if you haven't already.

Tuesday, February 10

It was finally game day and the first time that we watched the guys run out onto the pitch as a team. It turned out to be an entertaining and scrappy affair where everyone was hungry to play and prove that they had something to offer. After everything that has happened during the off season, it was finally time to let the playing do the talking. And after the 2-0 rout of St. Mirren, the boys in blue were ready for more.

Wednesday, February 11

Some of the guys traveled to the Britannia to watch Man City play a cold Wednesday night game in Stoke.

Here's the view that they had at the game in the City supporters end, courtesy of Patrick Mullins. It appears that Jeb and his stache, in the brown hat, were getting up close with the locals.

Stoke on Wednesday

A video posted by Patrick Mullins (@pmullins14) on

Thursday, February 12

Mix trains with the team for the first time!

I am happy to report that his hair was as magnificent and flowing as ever.

Friday, February 13

David Villa met Sergio Aguero...

...and some local children.

While Kwadwo Poku met his playing idol, Yaya Toure.

Post by New York City FC.

Sunday, February 15

New York City took on their biggest challenge of the preseason so far with a match against Danish side Brondby. The 0-2 final scoreline was not what anyone hoped for, but valuable lessons were undoubtedly learned by all.

During that game, most of the players on trial got another run-out, and time will tell which of them might be joining the team for the season.

The four that we are aware of are Pablo Alvarez, Fran Martinez, Andre Rawls, and a new face that made an appearance in the Brondby game, goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. The Norwegian 22 year old is a Manchester City Academy product, and was apparently training with New York City since their arrival in England.

Also, is Shay Facey only training with the team for preseason, or is a loan to New York City in his future? If coach Jason Kreis likes what he has seen from the young defender, it is a possibility. Facey has recently spoken highly of Kreis and the team, and he would relish the chance to compete for first team minutes. We will just have to wait and see. In less positive news, we also learned that goalkeeper Ryan Meara did not make the trip to Manchester and would be out for about 6 weeks because of injury.

Now that the team has wrapped up training in England and are back home, the next stop is Charleston for the Carolina Challenge Cup. The first game New York City will play there is on Saturday against Orlando City.

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