This week marks the official return of the players for 2026 so it is only fitting that Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen return to the virtual studio to kick off their 2026 with a discussion about Talles Magno, Keaton Parks and the other returning players to NYCFC.

We have all experienced the feeling of not being valued at work. Value is not about the price tag or cost, it is about the experience.

This week former-NYCFC defender, Justin Haak, made the choice to sign with LA Galaxy. In the move Haak reportedly signed for a lower salary than offered by NYCFC.

This week the guys discuss the departure of the homegrown player. They also look ahead at what key positions NYCFC need to fill once they start signing players in 2026.

Ultimately NYCFC lost their semifinal match to the eventual champions. That might not dampen the pain of the 5-1 loss in the Eastern Conference Final but it is a reminder of the success new coach Pascal Jansen had with the club in his first year.

Now enter a new Chief Soccer Officer in Todd Dunivant.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen discuss what they know about the new CSO and also look at how he will impact NYCFC.

They also talk about the 2026 schedule, the 2027 calendar shift and ticket prices in Etihad Park.

For most of the 2025 season a big talking point about NYCFC was the young average age of the squad. These weren't players in their prime. That changed in summer with the additions of Aiden O'Neill, Nicolas Fernandez Mercau and Raul Gustavo. Even with those players coming in and helping the club reach another Eastern Conference Final it was not shocking to hear head coach, Pascal Jansen, lecture the team on naivete following the 5-1 loss in Fort Lauderdale.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen break it all down and discuss their opinions on the future of NYCFC homegrown, Justin Haak.

Only the diehards believed and even some of them might admit it was only half-heartedly. NYCFC limped into Subaru Park on Sunday night and took the fight to the Supporter's Shield owners leaving them with only their dreams of hoisting a cup.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen recap the moments from this Eastern Conference semi-final that made it so special. They also look ahead at the difficult task of taking down Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC on Saturday.

NYCFC is a team that knows how to handle adversity. Their legacy began with the club's second biggest signing missing the first half of their debut season. Their championship season was marked with two key season-ending injuries. Last year breakout rookie star, Malachi Jones, suffered a severe injury mid-season that he still has yet to return from. Despite all of these moments, the team rises, the team comes together and the bond grows.

Friday night was another of those moments as midfielder Andres Perea would land awkwardly breaking both his tibia and fibula in the 70th minute in Charlotte.

The Boys In Blue rallied as they often do to hold off the home side and win the deciding game 3-1.

This week Mike Anderer, J.R. diBart and Mike Allen discuss the options Pascal Jansen has to build a midfield for the next match in Chester, PA. They also look back at the key moments from game three of the first round series.

NYCFC had a golden opportunity to defeat the team ahead of them in the standings and advance to the second round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately the result did not go their way and while it is easy to blame the two young players that missed their penalty kick chances the coach was more focused on why it was not decided in regulation. That leadership is what hopefully will give NYCFC the advantage they need on Friday night in Charlotte.

This week Mike Anderer, Mike Allen and J.R. diBart discuss the idea of supporting players during the toughest moments. They also talk more about David Lee's departure and look back at the first two games of the playoff series.

There is audio from Pascal Jansen, Hannes Wolf, Matt Freese, Justin Haak and Tayvon Gray.

Yes, NYCFC lost to Seattle at home on decision day. Yes, Mike, J.R. and Mike will discuss it, but before they do, they need to share their thoughts on the state of journalism and coverage of MLS by independent reporters.

It was always a challenge and with the passing of time, it has only gotten worse. The big question is will it ever turn around?