July 6, 2009 FC NEW YORK UPDATE Peterson talks about USL club's preparations
FC New York president Doug Peterson: “It is still our plan and hope to play some matches in NYC. We are working hard to secure something." Photo courtesy of FC New York
By William Smith
BigAppleSoccer.com Correspondent
Over the holiday weekend, BigAppleSoccer.com caught up to FC New York president Doug Peterson, who continues to prepare for the United Soccer League First Division expansion team's first season in 2010.
Peterson was questioned on a variety of subjects, including the team's website, business partners, coaching targets and even the Red Bulls.
Here is the interview:
On the subject of the team’s website:
“Ninety percent of the content for the website is done and has been. The release of the site to the public is being held up by a few key points. The primary one being the domain name address which may or may not reflect our European partner. Either way we have an internal date to launch the website regardless and that date is fast approaching.”
On whether the team will be playing any games in New York City proper in 2010:
“It is still our plan and hope to play some matches in NYC. We are working hard to secure something and while we continue to work seven days a week here at F.C. New York, we are faced with the fact that not everyone else does.”
On possible coaching candidates and player personnel moves:
“We have eliminated several coaching candidates and we are now looking at a more finite group. Just this past week though two highly qualified candidates were brought to us. Like the website, the coaching decision will be aided by our European partner who may have a few candidates of their own, but with the partnership not yet executed we will proceed in selecting someone shortly. As for players, our panel has been keeping a list on the office whiteboard and their availability. Also, please remember, we thought from the start that there was a wealth of talent in the New York area and I want to thank all those people who are anxiously awaiting the open tryout. We had tentatively scheduled the first one for June 30 but we chose to postpone it until a coach is named. Players from all over the world have been contacting us with the desire for a tryout, Iceland, Ireland, South Korea, Cameroon, and Costa Rica were some I recall seeing this week alone. Players and agents can keep calling or e-mailing us to be added to the list if they have not yet done so.”
Regarding European partnerships:
“While we have eliminated several, we are still focused on less than a handful of really quality clubs. All of which bring a range of positive offerings to us. We are trying to conclude what I have called our foundation partner, but the best interests in F.C. New York must be paramount. The time and costs associated in choosing a partner are considerable, which is why, in the last month, we have told representatives from clubs in Italy and another in Germany that we planned on trying to conclude something first with the clubs we have been in negotiations with before starting to speak to them. We need to stay focused, but it is flattering to be contacted. It has always been our plan to have a foundation partner and several other partnership clubs around the globe for many reasons. The most important is player scouting and transfer, making New York a launching, resting and retirement point for players in various stages of their careers.”
On the U.S. Men's National Team and iconic goalkeepers:
I want to congratulate the US national team and Bob Bradley on a great performance in the [FIFA] Confederations Cup. They made America proud and rang the bell loudly that we as a nation will continue to gain respectability. Tim Howard was great and served as another example of world class keepers that have taking stage since Shep Messsing!
On the quality of the USL:
The USL continues to show, despite flashy MLS TV commercials, that USL teams with creative resources can and do compete. This past week in the U.S. Open Cup we saw the Chicago Fire being extinguished by the USL Wilmington Hammerheads. The Columbus Crew was sunk by the USL Rochester Rhinos, Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL quelled the Revolution in New England and the USL's Charleston Battery defeated Chivas USA. On the flip side, USL amateur PDL team, the Ocean City (N.J.) Barons, had a great run, but lost to D.C. United, the Kansas City Wizards pulled off some magic when they got by the USL's Minnesota Thunder on PKs and the Houston Dynamo beat the expansion Austin Aztex, [which] only entered the USL three months ago.
On the Red Bulls’ struggles this season:
“Well, I hope the Red Bulls do better as it is good for the sport here in the area. I was out to see them play Houston around a month ago and they fought hard and didn't let up after being down a goal and playing with 10. They tied the match at the 88th minute and it was an exciting finish. I hope the Red Bulls will consider our "Grapple for the Apple" challenge for next year as, in my opinion; it only helps the sport of soccer here. At a recent meeting with members of the City of New York Parks and Recreation, assistant commissioner Joshua Laird suggested Governor's Island be considered. I want to thank Mr. Laird as well as Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and Deputy Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey for the time they have afforded us.”
