A trio of American youngsters showed up in a major way on opening day, leading New York City FC to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Chicago Fire. Midfielder Tommy McNamara and forwards Khiry Shelton and Tony Taylor lit up the field as they all found the back of the net, and will look to stun again in this Sunday’s home opener at Yankee Stadium vs. Toronto FC (5 p.m. ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes).
If you told Tommy McNamara he would one day be playing with the likes of David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, he wouldn’t believe you. The West Nyack, NY native grew up with soccer in his veins, as both his father and mother played collegiate soccer. McNamara followed in their footsteps, playing four years at Brown which included graduating with a degree in business economics and attending Clemson for a year in order to attain a master’s degree in applied economics and statistics. Known for his epic mullet, McNamara saw a rookie season cut short in 2013 after suffering a torn ACL with Chivas USA, but was given a second chance when selected by NYCFC in 2014 MLS Expansion Draft. The intellectually-minded midfielder made his mark right away much like he did last Sunday, ringing in the third decade of MLS with the first goal of the season, a screamer from outside the box in the 10th minute (watch goal).
Shelton’s performance was equally as impressive as he assisted on the McNamara goal before notching his own with a 36th minute off-balance shot that Shelton somehow managed to flick in after being tripped up by the goalkeeper (watch goal). The No. 2 pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, the 22-year-old was called in to U.S. Men’s National Team January camp where coach Jurgen Klinsmann got a look at one of the most promising and speedy forwards in the league. The U.S. U-23 staple is one to watch as Olympic Qualifying resumes this month, as they take on Colombia for the final ticket to Rio.
His second season with New York City FC, Tony Taylor’s 2016 campaign is already off to a much better start after a 2015 that saw the 26-year-old suffer a season-ending ACL tear. A former Club de Portugal player who featured for the U.S. at the 2009 U-20 World Cup, Taylor proved he could be a difference maker in a roster full of international talent, notching the second goal in last Sunday’s goal-fest at Toyota Park. The California native will serve as a threat on the wing in 2016 as new head coach Patrick Vieira looks to build upon a roster flowing with international veterans and young domestic talent.
Shelton’s performance was equally as impressive as he assisted on the McNamara goal before notching his own with a 36th minute off-balance shot that Shelton somehow managed to flick in after being tripped up by the goalkeeper (watch goal). The No. 2 pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, the 22-year-old was called in to U.S. Men’s National Team January camp where coach Jurgen Klinsmann got a look at one of the most promising and speedy forwards in the league. The U.S. U-23 staple is one to watch as Olympic Qualifying resumes this month, as they take on Colombia for the final ticket to Rio.
His second season with New York City FC, Tony Taylor’s 2016 campaign is already off to a much better start after a 2015 that saw the 26-year-old suffer a season-ending ACL tear. A former Club de Portugal player who featured for the U.S. at the 2009 U-20 World Cup, Taylor proved he could be a difference maker in a roster full of international talent, notching the second goal in last Sunday’s goal-fest at Toyota Park. The California native will serve as a threat on the wing in 2016 as new head coach Patrick Vieira looks to build upon a roster flowing with international veterans and young domestic talent.
By: Editor
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