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Well, it’s a bittersweet day for New York City FC fans as a longtime fan favorite will be moving on from the Bronx.
Earlier today, NYCFC announced that Jonathan Lewis — a first-round MLS SuperDraft pick back in 2017 — has been traded to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $650,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), an extra international roster spot in 2020, and an additional $100k in TAM based on Lewis’ performance.
| #NYCFC trades @Jon_lewis710 to @ColoradoRapids in exchange for TAM & a 2020 international spot.
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) May 8, 2019
TRANSACTION ➡️ https://t.co/90XmcRsHLB pic.twitter.com/BJoHw34wEN
Since being picked third overall in 2017, Lewis has only appeared sparingly for the Blues, logging in 31 games with 3 goals and 5 assists to show for it. Known for his pace and his youthful energy, J-Lew was often used a super-sub during his short stint with City. Despite his lack of consistent first-team minutes, Lewis seems to have impressed the right people and was called up to the United States national team earlier this year, where he has made 4 appearances to date.
The move seems to benefit both sides. Colorado — who currently sit in dead last in both the Western Conference and MLS as a whole — are the only team in the league without a win and desperately need reinforcements, meaning Lewis will most likely play. In return, NYCFC receive a huge wad of cash that they will be able to spend this summer when the international transfer window opens.
We at Hudson River Blue wish J-Lew the absolute best! It won’t be the same without ya, mate.