New York City FC are already enjoying the California sun of preseason as the team has already begun their 2025 preseason schedule in Santa Barbara. The team will remain there before going to Palm Springs for the Coachella Valley Invitational next month before the start of the regular season. Players like defender Justin Haak know that there is a lot to prove and a fresh start is the way begin.
“I feel fresh,” said Haak after a session. “I feel ready to go. I’m very excited to get the games going now and looking forward to the first game of the season. Personally, looking forward to the first game of the season against Miami and looking forward to get a win there.”
City’s start will not be an easy one as they travel to the southern Florida circus that is Inter Miami. The high profile nature of the game will also keep the spotlight on just how the season ended last year. A first-ever Hudson River Derby playoff loss spurred change in the organization as they parted ways with head coach Nick Cushing and have ushered in Dutch manager Pascal Jansen.
How Jansen’s approach differs from Cushing will be something to keep an eye on. Historically dutch managers have preferred a more methodical style of play. One that has often found dynamic players such as Santi Rodriguez and Alonso Martinez becoming frustrated with the lack of creativity. How that is addressed may come to light during the Coachella Valley Invitational, ahead of the regular season kickoff.
“I think everyone is just really excited to finally play a game again,” said Haak on the team’s first preseason game on Friday. “It’s been two months now, I think. The team is ready, has been training really well and we’re looking forward to it.”
photo by Jordan Bank