Statement on the Lampard Loan Extention

Following reports that Frank Lampard's loan has been extended beyond the start of the MLS season, we are issuing the following statement:

On behalf of the Third Rail, we would like to publicly denounce City Football Group’s and Frank Lampard’s decision to extend his loan to Manchester City until the end of the Premier League season.

Many fans, including our members, decided to support the team, committed to season tickets, and bought merchandise under the impression that Frank Lampard would be playing for New York City Football Club, not Manchester City.  Many of those fans are rightly outraged by this decision, and we support any course of action they take to voice their discontent over this decision.

Our support for our ownership group has been unwavering until now, but this we cannot support.  We reject out of hand any suggestion that NYCFC is in any way secondary to Manchester City FC, regardless of the source, and are disappointed that City Football Group would give such an appearance. 

The Third Rail will forever act as a voice for the fans of New York City Football Club.

Let's be clear - this is not about one player, even a star player; this is about how City Football Group will treat our club going forward. It is also about defending the entire league and American soccer.

But we are still NYCFC fans. This is still our club.  We want NYCFC to succeed for the benefit of all soccer fans in New York City.  We trust this decision will be an abberation, and with your help, our voices as one, it will be. 

1500!

We are thrilled to announce that we just signed up our 1,500th member.

We know it hasn't always been a smooth road, as we finish out our first calendar year, but the sheer number of you who believe in this group and in what we're doing is humbling and inspiring all at once. We are grateful for your support, and your input, and are looking forward to marching with you towards that first match at Yankee Stadium.

We have big news coming about our 2015 membership, and lots of exciting things to come. After nearly two years of waiting, and a full year of organizing and planning, New York City will have its own Major League Soccer club in a few short months. And we'll all be there to cheer.

Thank you to all 1500 of you.

First Games Announced!

The full 2015 MLS schedule has yet to be announced, but today NYCFC revealed details of the first two games:

The details:

NYCFC kicks off Inaugural Season vs. Orlando City and New England

December 19, 2014
11:03 AM EST

New York City FC will officially hit the pitch for their first MLS season on Sunday, March 8th at Orlando against their fellow expansion franchise. The historic home opener at Yankee Stadium in front of hometown fans will be Sunday, March 15th vs. the Eastern Conference Champion New England Revolution.

Both games have been selected to be shown nationally on ESPN2.

“We could not be more excited at the prospect of kicking off our first season” said Claudio Reyna, New York City’s Sporting Director.

“Our first competitive game will be the culmination of nearly two years’ hard work to get this Club ready for kick off. Now it is time to focus on what lies ahead and our first game will mark the true beginning for New York City FC.”

Head Coach Jason Kreis commented, “There is a huge buzz around the camp as we prepare to get pre-season underway. We’re looking forward to starting on the road and building up even more excitement as we head home for our first game in Yankee Stadium. We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have had across New York and we can’t wait to play in front of all of our fans for the first time. We know that they will create an unbelievable atmosphere in Yankee Stadium on March 15th.”

The full schedule will be announced in January.

For information on how to purchase tickets for New York City FC’s inaugural season, please visit: http://www.nycfc.com/tickets.

And don't forget, if you haven't yet purchased your tickets there is still some available in Section 237, our second exclusive area for Third Rail members. Check your email for details on how to purchase.

Please Donate to the Gemmell Fund

Our friends from the Screaming Eagles, the supporters group for DC United, have suffered a terrible loss. One of their longtime members was killed yesterday, along with two of her children, when a corporate jet struck their home in the DC suburbs. The Screaming Eagles are raising funds for the surviving members of her family.

From the Screaming Eagles' blog:

Our Hearts are Heavy with the Loss of Eagles from our Fold

Screaming Eagles members Marie Wagner Gemmell and her two young sons Cole and Devin, were tragically killed when a plane struck their house in Gaithersburg, MD, on December 8.

Marie and her husband Ken joined the SE family 11 years ago and have many friends among the DC United soccer community.

A memorial fund has been set up on the Screaming Eagles Online Store with all proceeds going directly to Ken and his daughter Arabelle.

We are urging all Third Rail members to consider making a donation to the Gemmell Fund. You can make a donation in the amount of $10, $25 or $50 here.

Come Watch the MLS Cup at the Third Rail Holiday Party!

We are proud to announce our Holiday Party, next Saturday, December 7th!

This year, we are combining our party with an MLS Cup viewing party. Come watch the LA Galaxy host the New England Revolution to see who will be crowned MLS Champions.

This party, like our last several meetings, will be held at Nevada Smiths, our official home for away matches!

Your Third Rail membership card, as always, gets you 10% off your tab at Nevada Smiths.



Before the game begins, we will hold our monthly membership meeting. Here are some of the topics we will be discussing:

• Membership Packages
• The Carolina Challenge Cup
• Update on season ticket sales in our section
• Our Under-21 Division

After the game, another round of our popular FIFA15 tournament!

We'll see you there!