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The New York City FC season begins in less than a month. Here is the latest NYCFC news roundup that includes news on the MLS Next Pro Golden Boot winner.
NYCFC news roundup: MD Myers and a new hire
MD Myers leaves NYCFC II
Throughout 2023, a few NYCFC II players should have gotten a chance to train and be a part of the match-day squads with the first team. One such player was MD Myers. The forward had a strong year with the MLS Next Pro side, scoring 19 goals in 28 games. As a result, he won the Golden Boot.
There were some thoughts Myers would be a solid option to sign from NYCFC II for the upcoming year. Instead, NYCFC II announced the goal-scorer was leaving the club for Charleston Battery, a team in the USL Championship.
Some might argue that NYCFC should have given Myers a shot with the first team. Truthfully, the transfer to Charleston was a smart move. It gives the team a little bit of money. Moreover, this is the next step for the player. At this time, MLS Next Pro is considered below the USL Championship. Therefore, he can see whether he can make it at a higher level.
In addition, it is expected that a few more attacking players will join the team. That would have meant Myers would have received a lack of playing time with NYCFC. As such, the move elsewhere was the correct one for the forward.
NYCFC has a new coach
NYCFC has a new assistant coach as the club enters their tenth season. Leon Hapgood was brought into the coaching staff after spending the last few years with Cavalry FC. He served as the technical director for the last two years while he was with the Canadian team. Plus, he knows head coach Nick Cushing.
The English coach is joining NYCFC to return the Pigeons to the top part of the table. He also believes in the development of players, so one might assume he will work with the younger members of the team.
Hapgood might be the right hire when it comes to the coaching staff. New York City FC is a whole other ballgame compared to his time in Canada. It will be interesting to see how he does as an assistant coach.