By Cesar Diaz - QUEENS, NY (Aug 3, 2011) US Soccer Players -- Ask a New Yorker to name a professional New York-area soccer club, the response you’re more than likely to hear is the New York Red Bulls or the New York Cosmos. While the Red Bulls play in Major League Soccer, the New York Cosmos doesn't play in a league while looking to eventually join MLS as an expansion club.
For many New Yorkers, a professional soccer club in Queens would be ideal because it’s a Borough recognized for its diversity and passionate soccer fans. More than one plan has been floated to put professional soccer in Queens, and it would probably surprise a few area soccer fans to learn that a pro team already plays there.
Known as FC New York (FCNY), the club is currently completing their debut season in the third division, the USL-PRO. Coached by former English league player Paul Shaw, FC New York has taken steps to make sure they're connected to their local area. As their official site explains, that includes the design of their club shield.
“The FC New York shield is representative of the Queens flag, which was adopted June 3, 1913. The blue background with a horizontal white stripe is symbolic of its first Dutch governor William Kielt, who acquired the area from the Native Americans. The area’s first settlers are represented by the two flowers - the tulip, emblematic of the Dutch, and the double red and white rose of the English. The Queen’s crown signifies the name of the county and borough in honor of Queen Catherine of Braganza.”
Currently playing at the Belson Stadium at St John’s University, FC New York is currently in fifth place of the USL PRO’s National Division. After losing for the third consecutive time, FCNY is in danger of missing the USL PRO’s playoff with a record of 4-11-6.
While the team’s record may not be living up to the demands normally placed on a New York-based team, FCNY is an organization that is aspiring to be a “launching pad” for their players and interns.
Prior to becoming FCNY team president, Doug Petersen had over fifteen years of experience in the airline industry. He is also the founder of Soccer Helping Achieve Kids Equality (S.H.A.K.E.). It’s an organization that collects used uniforms, cleats and other equipment and ships it to organizations serving underprivileged children in Uganda, Haiti and El Salvador.
From covering past FCNY matches, no matter how busy he is, Petersen always makes time to talk. Last Friday, he met with me and three students from South Bronx United who he had invited to see what it's like to cover a professional soccer game. Despite trying to work out the logistics for that night's game at Rutgers University amid the horrific rainfall, Doug introduced himself to the teenagers. He encouraged them to pursue a college education. As an incentive, Doug promised them that he would reward them with the opportunity to intern for FC New York. Doug insisted that he would either hire them or assure that they have a job following their graduation.
During the 40-minute rain delay while waiting to restart the action against the Wilmington Hammerheads, I was able have a sit down with Petersen. One of the perks of covering a USL PRO team is that the distance between management and press is extremely narrow. While their operations may not be as huge as a Major League Soccer team, a USL PRO club still has to address the same issues any team would.
Once Petersen announced to the Press that the game will resume with in the next forty minutes, he started the conversation by saying, “FC New York welcomes Jurgen Klinsmann as the new Head Coach of the United States National Team.” And why not? Right now, it's FCNY that's the professional soccer outpost playing within the borders of the country's biggest market.
“FC New York is here to stay,” Petersen said. “With the season winding down, I want to be clear that FCNY will continue to fight for the final playoff spot. Making it to the post season would exceed our expectations.”
The club has been invited by the Guyana Football Federation for a preseason tour in February before returning for a second season at St John's. By 2013, FCNY plans to be playing their home schedule in their own stadium. As part of their long-term goals, Doug insists that FC New York will be a team that’s open to everyone.
“We are who we are and we will grow our own garden,” Petersen said. “We’re not trying to compete with a Manchester United who has over 100 years of History. Much like the Giants and Dodgers… we want our players to live in the community so they can have a better connection with the fans who come to support them on a regular basis. Along with being part of the community, I want FC New York to be the “launch pad” for many careers while making a difference in the lives of the children who grow up following us. When a player signs his first professional contract with us, I’ve enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm in his eyes because it demonstrates the heart and passion he has for soccer.”
Following our conversation, the match resumed where FCNY ultimately fell to the Wilmington Hammerheads 3-1. As the children from South Bronx United left with their coaches, Doug thanked them for making the trip to Belson Stadium. He also commended them for their professionalism and insisted that they return as his guests for the final home game of the season on Sunday, August 7th against the Rochester Rhinos at 2pm.
As I was leaving Belson Stadium, I noticed the players boarding the bus for their trip to Dayton, Ohio where they would face the Dayton Dutch Lions in another must-win game that Sunday. That too didn't go FCNY's way, losing 2-0 and dropping to 5th in the National Division and putting their playoff chances in severe jeopardy. Regardless of this season’s outcome, this is a club with a strong statement of purpose and a forward-looking outlook that should appeal to the soccer fans in their neighborhood and beyond. New York, you have a soccer club and it's worth your support.
To learn more about FC New York go to: www.fcnewyorksoccer.com
Cesar Diaz is a Columnist for USSoccerPlayers.com. In addition, he covers soccer for LatinoSports.com and 5 Points Press. Easily accessible, you may contact Cesar at cesar@latinosports.com and at Twitter @CoveringSoccer.
