After a pretty forgettable 2015 debut with NYCFC featuring
listless performances and a dour demeanor, expectations were not particularly high
for the Italian international and his teammates in 2016. However, NYCFC have gotten off to a pretty
solid—though not great—start and an improved Andrea Pirlo is certainly
helping. In particular, he and his
teammates are communicating better and we can see this borne out in much
improved passing #’s year over year.
Although is usage rate is approximately the same at about 14% (very high
by the way), his trademark long-passing ability seems to finally be showing
itself. It will be interesting to see if
he can keep it up and if NYCFC can establish themselves as a true contender in
the east.
2. The Galaxy experiment just might work
Look at this lineup from the most recent LA Galaxy match, I
mean just look at it. Is this not the
most interesting/random team in the history of MLS? If there is a team that is must-watch right
now in the league it might be the 2016 LA Galaxy:
Multiple former English internationals, maybe the best
player in Ireland’s history, an El Tri
star in his prime, the only openly gay player in major professional soccer, a
WC final villain, etc. etc. I am still
not sure how all the pieces are going to fit together, but I do know that Bruce
Arena is probably the best coach
in MLS history and if anyone can it is him.
The early results have been positive for the Galaxy, as seen by
their 3-1 evisceration of the San Jose Earthquakes. A major key has been the surprisingly exemplary early play
by Ashley Cole, a player who once famously derided MLS. If Arena can make these pieces work we may
very well be seeing yet another MLS Cup in Carson come December 2016.
3. Diego Valeri is pretty good