NYCFC signs midfielder John Stertzer

Sometimes, you’re just in the right place at the right time. And sometimes you end up there kind of a lot.

For a consistent economy of play on his preseason trial with New York City FC, central midfielder John Stertzer has signed a contract with the club. A former backup to the legendary Kyle Beckerman at Real Salt Lake, the player came up with goals in each of his first two preseason appearances, and was one of a modest handful of solid performers wearing sky blue in yesterday’s friendly against the Red Bulls.

“I’m super happy to be here and now I just want to repay the faith that’s been shown in me and make the fans happy, not just in preseason but in the MLS season,” Stertzer said in today’s official press release.

“From day one, I’ve felt like I was at home, everyone has been so open and welcoming, giving me the confidence to push forward.”

The 26 year old Stertzer was one of nine goalscorers for NYCFC two weeks back against Jacksonville University, and calmly tapped home a stoppage-time equalizer to complete a fightback in Ecaudor against CS Emelec last Wednesday. Count his new manager among those hoping to see even more ambition and drive out of the man in the coming months.

“He’s someone has really fought for a spot and he will bring a lot of competition for his position. I’m glad he’s come and shown his quality and his desire to stay with us,” Patrick Vieira said on the occasion.

Added Sporting Director Claudio Reyna: “[F]or us, he’s a very pleasant surprise in terms of how quickly he’s adapted to the way in which Patrick wants to play.”

With so many talented midfielders on New York City’s roster — just yesterday, playmaker Maxi Moralez arrived on a DP contract, with left-sided Tico Army Knife Rodney Wallace joining up hours later — Stertzer won’t be counted on for star turns and high-leverage minutes. But as an end-of-the-bench veteran with a level head, he’s a worthy signing indeed.