New York City FC will be at the World Cup in Qatar

On Wednesday, the 26-man roster for the USMNT was announced, and New York City FC will be present at the World Cup later this month.  The captain, Sean Johnson, was announced as one of three goalkeepers, while former player Joe Scally will add to the defense.  Additionally, former NYCFC academy player Gio Reyna made the squad as well. 

Previously, the thought process has always been that Johnson could make the squad, even as the third-choice goalkeeper.  His knowledge of the game brings a lot to the team.  Plus, he has performed well over the last few years, which is why he has been called up numerous times to the USMNT. 

This season alone, Johnson had 14 regular season clean sheets, which was the second most in Major League Soccer.  His save percentage and number was not necessarily the highest this season, but there was that period over the summer when NYCFC struggled, and the defense was not the greatest. 

That being said, the goalkeeper had plenty of strong performances.  Moreover, he had the great game against Uruguay back in June.  He had three saves and a clean sheet, and likely that performance put him into the running to make the World Cup squad.  It is unlikely he will start a match since Matt Turner is the first choice keeper, but the fact Johnson is on the roster is an accomplishment in itself. 

As mentioned, Scally was called up to the USMNT squad too.  The former NYCFC player has been making waves over in Germany for Borussia Mönchengladbach, and originally there were questions on whether he would be involved in this current cycle. 

Fortunately, he made his debut for the senior team in June, and went on to earn three caps.  At the same time, Scally was not expected to make the USMNT for this World Cup, so his call-up is delightfully surprising.  But with a few injuries at the back, and then the fact he is performing well this season, probably made it easier to choose him.  Like Johnson, he might not start, but it is expected he will play some minutes. 

And of course Reyna, who never signed with the NYCFC first team, also made the roster for the World Cup.  This was the most expected move out of the three, for when he is healthy, he is often a starter for the national team. 

It is great to see that New York City FC will be represented at the World Cup.  Fans will be able to see Johnson, Scally, Reyna, and the rest of the USMNT starting on Monday, November 21, when they take on Wales in the first game of their group.