You don’t have to wait for the World Cup to enjoy some world-class soccer in the New York area. There are four professional soccer teams close by, ready to satisfy what appears to be a growing hunger for the “other” football. And with reasonable ticket prices, kid-friendly stadium activities and constant action, your family is sure to get a kick out of the game day experience.
New York Red Bulls
Major League Soccer now has two teams vying for fans in our area. The New York Red Bulls have been in the league since its inception in 1996 (they were originally known as the MetroStars). The team plays in a 25,000-seat stadium, Red Bull Arena (RBA), located in Harrison, N.J. It’s about a 45-minute drive from southern Westchester, but the trip is well worth it. The Red Bulls are coming off an impressive season, winning the Supporters’ Shield (given to the team with the best regular-season record) and missing the MLS Cup (the league’s equivalent of the Super Bowl or World Series) by the smallest of margins. The Red Bulls also do a great job off the field to make matchdays memorable. Prior to each home game, you can stroll down “The BULLevard” outside RBA where kids can get their pictures taken in the photo booth, see the freestylers of the “Street Team” perform some pretty amazing tricks with a soccer ball, and also take part in a 3-on-3 game, among other activities. Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house. You can sing along with the die- hard fans in the South Ward and enjoy my favorite stadium food, chicken and waffles.
New York City FC
Back across the Hudson, New York’s newest Major League Soccer team is certainly making waves. 2015 was the inaugural season for New York City FC (FC means Football Club – and this team is often referred to as NYCFC), who play their home games at Yankee Stadium. It
was a season of some big highs and lows for NYCFC. With world-famous soccer stars such as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard gracing the roster, the team still experienced some growing pains. Following some reshuffling this off-season, their second campaign promises to be entertaining (rivalry games against the Red Bulls will definitely be a hot ticket). For those who do support the blue New York squad, getting to games is pretty simple – you can take Metro-North straight to Yankee Stadium. While watching soccer in a baseball stadium definitely isn’t ideal because of a smaller field and awkward sight lines, it’s still a great atmosphere with big crowds. The stadium is only meant to be a temporary home, with the team looking for space somewhere in the five boroughs to build a soccer-specific venue sooner rather than later. In the meantime, check out the fan zone near Gate 2 where kids can enjoy free hair and face painting and find out how fast they can kick a soccer ball.
New York Cosmos
The New York Cosmos actually have the longest soccer history of all four teams. You might remember the Cosmos of the 1970s and 80s that played at Giants Stadium and had soccer legend Pel on the squad. Well, the current Cosmos were founded in 2010 as a rebirth
of the former team. They have played in the second division of U.S. Soccer (called the North American Soccer League) since 2013 and have had great success. Last season, they won the 2015 NASL Championship (their second). The Cosmos play their games at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. It’s also about a 45-minute drive from southern Westchester and offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Before games and during halftime, kids can play games and practice their penalty kicks and dribbling in the soccer skills area. Young fans also have the opportunity to get autographs after games as players head back to the locker room.
Sky Blue FC
Last, but certainly not least, we are lucky to have a National Women’s Soccer League team within driving distance. Sky Blue FC play their home games at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. (just over an hour’s drive). On the pitch, you’ll have the chance to see members of the amazing U.S. Women’s National Team that captivated the country when they won the Women’s World Cup last year. In the bleachers, children can chant along with the enthusiastic Cloud 9 Supporters’ Group during games. At halftime, there is a tennis ball toss, where fans can throw balls at merchandise spread on the field for a chance to win the items (there’s a small fee for the tennis balls). Then after the games, players come over to sign autographs and take pictures with young fans. It’s a fun time and feels good to support a league that certainly does not get the full attention it deserves.
So, are you ready to score some brownie points with your kids? Major League Soccer kicks off its season this month, while the Cosmos and Sky Blue will start playing in April.
Andrea White is a writer and soccer fanatic who lives in Edgemont. All cards on the table, she and her husband and kids are huge Red Bulls fans, but she believes supporting any area soccer team is a great thing.
When You Go …
NEW YORK RED BULLS
877-727-6223
Red Bull Arena
600 Cape May St. Harrison, NJ 07029
NYCFC
nycfc.com
855-77-NYCFC (855-776-9232) Yankee Stadium
1 E. 161st St.
Bronx, NY 10451
NEW YORK COSMOS
nycosmos.com
855-71-COSMOS (855-712-6766) James M. Shuart Stadium
900 Fulton Ave.
Hempstead, NY 11549
SKY BLUE FC
skybluefc.com
888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849) Yurcak Field
83 Fitch Rd.
Piscataway Township, NJ 08854
