HRB Roundtable: A look back at the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
The HRB crew discusses New York City FC's six-game postseason run — they go over what went right, what didn't, and what the future holds for this young team.
Oliver Strand
Oliver is the publisher of Hudson River Blue. A benchwarmer on the 1985 Culver City All-Stars, he grew up supporting the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
New York City
New York City vs Inter Miami player ratings
It's no surprise that the numbers aren't great after New York City FC suffered the third-worst loss in club history by falling 5-1 to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
New York City FC are better at the playoffs than you think
NYCFC's postseason record since the return from COVID five years ago is reason to give thanks: 15 games, 11 wins (8 of those on the road), 6 clean sheets, and 3 Conference Finals put the team at the top of the league.
New York City vs Philadelphia player ratings
The Starting XI set a new high, Pascal Jansen earns the best-ever rating for a head coach ever, and Matt Freese is your Player of Match.
Upset in Orlando: Gotham FC score stoppage-time winner, advance to NWSL Championship
The Bats do it again, beating the odds advance to the NWSL Championship Final after upsetting Orlando Pride 1-0 in Florida.
New York City's 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs (so far) in 5 numbers
One postseason brace, six clean sheets, four away wins (seven if you include shootouts): We look at how New York City are becoming one of the best playoff teams in Major League Soccer.
New York City vs Charlotte Player Ratings
Nico Ferández Mercau earns the highest rating for any NYCFC player this year with a playoff-best performance.
New York City vs Charlotte player ratings
NYCFC might have lost to Charlotte in penalties, but there are positives to take from this game. Such as: Matt Freese putting up a Player of the Match performance with his third consecutive clean sheet against Charlotte
All of NYCFC's seven-figure contracts
Nico Fernández Mercau becomes the 12th player in New York City FC history to make more than $1 million per year. Let's take a look at all 35 of the club's seven-figure contracts.
2025 New York City FC Player Salaries Update: 5 Takeaways
Nico Fernández Mercau is NYCFC's highest earner since 2018, there's a new second-best-paid player in the league, and more takeaways from the latest batch of MLS player pay data.
New York City vs Charlotte player ratings
The feels are good after the 1-0 road win in Round One of the playoffs, with Alonso Martínez earning 85% of the vote for Player of the Match for weaving through the Charlotte defense like they were practice mannequins.
NYCFC Playoff Preview: What to expect in Round One
The HRB crew looks ahead to New York City FC's MLS Cup Playoff matchup against Charlotte FC, and what we think we'll see go down in Round One.
USWNT 1-2 Portugal: 3 Thoughts
The United States women's national team were stunned at Subaru Park by Portugal in what Head Coach Emma Hayes called a "kick up the backside."
Zohran Mamdani: A soccer sicko in City Hall?
Zohran Mamdani could become New York City's first Sunday league mayor — the candidate doesn't just understand the offside rule, he even has some thoughts about what Leandro Trossard brings to the Arsenal attack.
Points Per Million: Ranking every MLS club by table position vs payroll
We look at how much every MLS team spent for each point they earned to determine the PPM. Philadelphia, Minnesota, Vancouver, and New York City did good; Toronto, Atlanta, LA Galaxy, and Miami, not so much.