NYCFC news roundup: James Sands, a new owner, and Red Bull Arena

New York City FC might still be in the middle of their winless streak, but there was a reason to celebrate this past weekend thanks to James Sands. The midfielder scored the late goal to tie the game against Inter Miami CF to secure a point for his team. The draw did not scare the worries about the Pigeons away, but it was one of those rare draws that felt like a win.

With just a few games to go in the regular season, there are some news stories to talk about. Here is the latest NYCFC news roundup that includes the new team owner.

NYCFC news roundup: James Sands and more

James Sands made the Team of the Matchday

After a fantastic performance on Saturday, Sands was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. The midfielder made the Starting XI after his strong work in the midfield and his tying goal. The goal was his first in Major League Soccer and with NYCFC, so it was a special one.

NYCFC has a new member of the ownership group

Last week, NYCFC announced that the club had welcomed Marcelo Claure to the ownership group. The technology entrepreneur and businessman has taken over 10% of the ownership while Yankee Global Enterprises' ownership has been reduced to 10%. City Football Group will remain the majority owner with an 80% stake.

The Bolivian-American once owned a stake in Inter Miami CF, so he has experience in MLS ownership. Claure was also named Co-Vice Chairman of NYCFC, implying that the $2 billion man would participate in certain aspects of the club and not just be an investor.

He already went to the Inter Miami match over the weekend, illuminating he cares and wants to be a part of NYCFC. Hopefully, he will be more involved than the Yankees, who have not been the best partners ownership-wise. However, only time will tell how Claure as an owner will impact the club.

The final NYCFC home games

As of right now, the final two regular season home fixtures will take place at Red Bull Arena. The MLB playoffs mean that Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are unavailable. If there were changes, then NYCFC would do everything to play at one of the baseball stadiums.

This is not ideal, but it is a reminder that the Pigeons will not have their true home until 2027, for baseball will always come first. Moreover, fans can basically guarantee the Wednesday, October 2 game will take place in New Jersey since the date is too close to the end of the baseball regular season. Yet, what about the Sunday, October 6 match? Since the Yankees are close to locking down a top-two spot or first place in the American League, fans can consider the main home stadium as not an option.

With the Mets, the team continues to play well and remains in a wild card spot. They have not punched their ticket yet to the postseason. If the baseball team from Queens does make it and plays the wild card series elsewhere, Citi Field would remain unavailable since the stadiums will probably not want to change over from the baseball diamond to the soccer pitch during the baseball playoffs.

So, will NYCFC play one of the final two home games in New York City? The odds are not in their favor, but fans should know for sure by the end of this weekend.