2015 NYC FC Home – David Villa #7 XL

The 2015 season marked the inaugural campaign for New York City Football Club (NYCFC), the newest Major League Soccer franchise co-owned by City Football Group (Manchester City) and the New York Yankees.

• Competition: MLS Eastern Conference

• Record: 10 wins, 7 draws, 17 losses – 37 points, finishing 8th in the East, missing the playoffs in their debut season.

• Key Storyline:

  • The season was all about establishing identity.

  • David Villa served as the club’s first captain and Designated Player, joined midseason by global stars Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.

  • Despite inconsistency, NYCFC’s attacking football style and growing fanbase made an immediate impression on MLS.

• Manager: Jason Kreis (formerly of Real Salt Lake) led the project, emphasizing possession-based football, though defensive frailty proved costly.

• Kit: The 2015 NYCFC home jersey, made by Adidas, was a clean sky-blue design with white trim, inspired by Manchester City’s classic look. It featured the club’s circular crest with the interlocking “NYC” monogram — instantly iconic for fans of the new club.

2. Player’s Impact – David Villa (2015)

David Villa, Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer and 2010 World Cup champion, was NYCFC’s first-ever signing and the face of the franchise.

• Appearances: 30 matches (MLS regular season)

• Statistics: 18 goals and 8 assists — accounting for more than 50% of NYCFC’s total goals.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored the club’s first-ever home goal at Yankee Stadium.

  • Netted in rivalry games against the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution.

  • Often dropped deep to link play, showcasing world-class intelligence and technique.

• Role: Captain and centerpiece of NYCFC’s attack, Villa carried the team through growing pains, providing both goals and leadership.

• Legacy:

  • Named NYCFC’s MVP and Player of the Year.

  • His professionalism and consistency set the tone for the club’s culture.

  • Villa’s impact in 2015 established NYCFC as a serious franchise and laid the foundation for its future success in MLS.

3. Full Squad List – NYCFC 2015

Manager: Jason Kreis

Goalkeepers:

• Josh Saunders

• Ryan Meara

• Eirik Johansen

Defenders:

• Chris Wingert

• Shay Facey

• Jason Hernandez

• RJ Allen

• Andoni Iraola

• Jeb Brovsky

• Jefferson Mena

• Kwame Watson-Siriboe

• Andrés Mendoza

Midfielders:

• Andrea Pirlo (joined July 2015)

• Frank Lampard (joined midseason)

• Mix Diskerud

• Andrew Jacobson

• Ned Grabavoy

• Thomas McNamara

• Kwadwo Poku

• Mehdi Ballouchy

Forwards:

• David Villa (Captain)

• Patrick Mullins

• Tony Taylor

• Khiry Shelton

• Adam Nemec