The wait goes on for a New York City FC win, and it's a second straight episode that starts with talk of a 1-1 draw on the road.
Hosts Mark Radigan and John Baney and producer Andrew Leigh react to the tie in Toronto, impressed by the Nico Fernández Mercau finish, but also questioning some of the personnel choices made by Pascal Jansen and wondering about yet another defensive lapse that cost the team points.
While there's not much positive coming out of the Toronto match and what's now a six-match winless streak across all competitions for NYCFC, there's unquestionably good news in Tayvon Gray signing a contract extension, with a nice discussion had about his development and his importance over the years and in the years to come.
Then it's on to injury talk, as player availability, or lack thereof, continues to prove costly for New York City FC. Two players who only recently returned from injury absences, Thiago Martins and Keaton Parks, seemed to exit the Toronto game with new or worsening injury complaints, and that's on top of an injured list that continues to contain some of the more important contributors to the 2026 team. Alonso Martínez is working on a comeback, but how much of the current winless struggles are related to all the players out injured, and is there enough depth to withstand the many and multiplying absences?
It's the close of the summer transfer window, too, and the crew weighs in on the moves made and not made by New York City and its sporting director Todd Dunivant. While a last-minute move doesn't seem likely, questions linger about new Designated Player Bénie Traoré, though there's hype for Luighi, and plenty of relief that Nico Fernández Mercau looks set to remain with NYCFC at least through season's end.
The episode wraps up with a preview of the Friday night meeting with MLS Supporters' Shield leaders Nashville SC set to be played under the Yankee Stadium lights. Nashville scores in bunches, has conceded the fewest in the league, and boasts a stacked roster, so how much optimism is there for a good New York City FC result?
Listen to the full episode above in this post, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
