FC New York President Doug Petersen made quite a splash in a memorable press conference on April 1st, 2009. On that date, the Jamaica, Queens native announced the arrival of his newly branded USL side, and issued a challenge to the City’s only professional franchise – the New York Red Bulls.
“We’re throwing down the gauntlet to our brothers from the other side of the river and over there in that other state,” Petersen proclaimed. His vision for a yearly friendly – dubbed “The Grapple for the Apple” – captivated the imagination of local soccer fanatics, many who were thirsty for a soccer alternative after the Red Bulls’ takeover of the Metrostars franchise.
Three crazy years later, after enduring the near collapse of the USL, the financial burdens of a newly minted USL Pro division and flirtations with near extinction, FC New York has reformed – in the NPSL.
“We look forward to fine competition that the NPSL offers” said Managing Director Anthony DiCocco in a release issued by the groups youth soccer affiliate, Woodhaven Soccer Club. “The fans have shown us great support in the past battling local derby’s with Red Bull and Brooklyn. We embrace the NPSL and we are proud to be a member with nearly 50 other clubs nationwide where the membership creates policies and make
decisions.”
NPSL is the fourth division of the American soccer pyramid, officially considered an amateur league. FCNY will align themselves in the Northeast Atlantic Conference where they will face legendary New York side, the Brooklyn Italians, and in a strange twist of fate, the New York Red Bulls Developmental team.
The statement continues, announcing the return of Head Coach Paul Shaw, the creation of a new website and tryout dates for the club (the first of which being held Saturday February 25th & Sunday February 26th at Burns Park, Massapequa from 6pm to 9pm, applicable to a $30 fee).
Hm, Woodhaven Soccer Club pulled FC New York from their website. I can’t find any information about them which is sad. I actually wouldn’t mind owning a scarf of theirs bearing Queens’ colors. Looks like I’m too late.