News – (March 2, 2017) – In very unsurprising news, NYCFC announced they bought out the contract of Mix Diskerud, but he is still signed with MLS. At the same time, they announced their 26-man roster. James Sands is not listed, but they could still ink him as a homegrown player. Two of the other trialists, John Stertzer and Ben Sweat, both made the team. Besides the trialists, there are ten other new faces on the team. Maxi Moralez, Rodney Wallace, Yangel Herrera, Sean Johnson, Alexander Callens, Sean Okoli, Jonathan Lewis, Miguel Camargo, Alex Ring, and Kwame Awuah all joined NYCFC this offseason.
NYCFC Buyout Mix Diskerud; Announce 2017 MLS Roster
Overall, the roster has been shaken up, but the team’s philosophy should remain the same. Manager Patrick Vieira will continue to play the ball out of the back. NYCFC will continue to line up in a 4-3-3 and should score copious amounts of goals. Defensively, they should be improved with the addition of Callens and Herrera. While Andoni Iraola played great last year, Herrera is younger, and more athletic. He possesses the skills to be a stronger backline shield.
NYCFC 2017 MLS Roster
Goalkeepers
Eirik Johansen
Sean Johnson
Andre Rawls
Defenders
RJ Allen
Kwame Awuah
Frederic Brillant
Alexander Callens
Maxime Chanot
Shannon Gomez
Ronald Matarrita
Ben Sweat
Ethan White
Midfielders
Miguel Camargo
Yangel Herrera
Mikey Lopez
Maxi Moralez
Tommy McNamara
Andrea Pirlo
Alex Ring
John Stertzer
Rodney Wallace
Forwards
Jack Harrison
Jonathan Lewis
Sean Okoli
Khiry Shelton
David Villa
Mix Diskerud Departs
After he posted the cryptic instagram post, it was only inevitable he would depart. While he struggled with Vieira, he did make some big plays for NYCFC. Most notably, a goal in their opening game against Orlando City SC.
For several reasons, Diskerud didn’t fit with Vieira’s system. However, that doesn’t mean he still can’t be a solid MLS player. Diskerud has all the tools, he just needs the right system and coach. Some possible MLS options are reuniting with former coach Jason Kries in Orlando, or joining the New York Red Bulls. In addition to MLS, he will always have options in Scandinavia. Wherever he winds up, hopefully he will play frequently, so he can force himself back into the USMNT picture.
