Editor's Picks: Hudson River Blue's Best Stories of 2025
Happy New Year! Here are 18 of our favorite articles from this past year as selected by the editorial staff at Hudson River Blue.
HRB Interviews
Brooklyn FC Coach Marlon LeBlanc: 'I will work tirelessly to give Brooklyn our best product'
In this exclusive interview, the first-ever Brooklyn FC men's coach on why he took the gig, how he's approaching building an expansion team from scratch, and how his local roots and years of prior coaching experience will influence his approach.
"Put It on Frame" Excerpt: Glenn Crooks in conversation with Emma Hayes
In this passage from "Put It on Frame: Stories and Strategies from Top Soccer Coaches and Experts," USWNT head coach Emma Hayes explains how "sociological and political underpinnings have influenced my coaching."
Pascal Jansen on Inter Miami Matchup: NYCFC earned the right to be in this final
Will New York City FC's "bulletproof mindset" carry the team through a tough away matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs?
Taylor Twellman on NYCFC: 'Scared money doesn't make money'
The Apple TV analyst thinks New York City FC must take the game to Inter Miami if they're to earn a spot in MLS Cup: Lionel Messi is the GOAT and Javier Mascherano is proving himself as a coach, but Twellman is full of praise for Pascal Jansen and Nico Fernández.
Matt Freese: 'I don't like being average'
In this exclusive interview New York City FC shotstopper Matt Freese tells us about choosing Harvard over Manchester United, his enduring friendship with Andre Blake, and why he signed a contract through 2030 with NYCFC.
Alonso Martínez: 'Letting it flow, letting it go'
In this exclusive interview, Glenn Crooks talks to New York City FC striker Alonso Martínez about his goal-scoring mentality, winking at Matt Freese during the Gold Cup, and transferring to Alajuelense for one game's gate receipts plus 20 soccer balls.
Justin Haak previews MLS Cup Playoffs: 'We have a really good chance to do something special'
The New York City FC defender looks ahead to the best-of-three series with Charlotte FC, discusses Charlotte's strength at home, and explains why he and his teammates remain confident against the top teams in MLS.
Brad Sims: 'Every day, it's good news'
New York City FC President and CEO Brad Sims discusses transfer philosophy, the processes of hiring Pascal Jansen (and letting Nick Cushing go), why he supports moving to a European calendar, the real story behind the failed stadium in The Bronx, and more.
Cosmos CEO Erik Stover: 'You need good versus evil'
In this exclusive interview, Cosmos CEO Erik Stover tells us about plans to develop local talent, open a museum, cultivate rivalries, and function "much like a European club."
Brad Sims: Couldn't be more excited about what the future holds
The president and CEO of New York City FC on the significance of the club's 10th-anniversary celebrations, the progress made toward building Etihad Park, David Villa, a new training facility, and more.
Brasília to the Big Apple: Gabi Portilho's journey to Gotham FC
We talk to Gotham's new superstar signing, and look at what the Brazil international – and 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin nominee – will bring to the team this season.
5 Takeaways from Pascal Jansen's first NYCFC press conference
The major talking points and the choice quotes to emerge from Jansen's first press conference as Head Coach of New York City FC.
7 Takeaways from David Lee's 2025 preseason press conference
New York City FC Sporting Director David Lee held his first press conference since the end of last season. He discussed new Head Coach Pascal Jansen, sending Jovan Mijatović to Belgium on loan, and if new players will be signed.
Brooklyn FC's Sam Kroeger: "We have to put our foot on the gas"
Midfielder Sam Kroeger is one of big reasons why Brooklyn FC's women's team are at the top of the table in their inaugural season.
Brooklyn FC Sporting Director: "It's not for everyone, to launch a team in New York City"
Kevin Tenjo, former New York Cosmos goalkeeper turned coach, scout, and now front-office executive, on what he's learned from years navigating the New York soccer landscape, and what he hopes to build in Brooklyn.