Diskerud scores NYCFC’s first goal
Norwegian-American midfielder makes history in New York with first goal in franchise history
Photo: Mix Diskerud / Facebook
Diskerud is big in New York.
Molly Jones
Norwegian American Weekly
It was 76 minutes into New York City FC’s MLS debut when midfielder Mix Diskerud scored the club’s historic first goal in franchise history with a low shot to the corner of the net. The Norwegian American’s goal marked the first score of the match against fellow expansion team Orlando City at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. In the 91st minute, Orlando City’s Kaka equalized the score with a free kick goal for a 1-1 draw in the March 8 match.
With this historic goal, 83 touches, and a 96% pass accuracy, Diskerud certainly deserves the title of MVP. And the league agrees; he was named to the MLS Team of the Week for his impressive performance in his MLS debut.
When ESPN interviewed Diskerud about his goal, he replied: “It’s a huge honor to score NYCFC’s first goal. No doubt about it. Now hopefully the NYCFC fans back in New York liked what they saw, and then they’ll come to our next home game.”
He believes that New York City is more than ready to support the city’s first MLS franchise and has already observed a lot of hype among fans. In fact, the club already has a base of 15,000 season ticket holders. The club management, as well as the athletes themselves, emphasizes the importance of building a large fan base.
“I think this year’s goal for the club is to try to get the ball between the posts as often and as playfully as possible. The owners have asked us to create a club that all soccer fans in New York can follow with excitement—fans should be able to cry and laugh along with us,” commented Diskerud.
The creation of NYCFC—the 20th MLS franchise—was first announced on May 21, 2013, as a partnership between Manchester City and the New York Yankees. While the plan for a future stadium is still in the works, NYCFC is playing their first season home games at Yankee Stadium.
The star midfielder was officially announced as an NYCFC player on January 13. Before making the move to the MLS, Diskerud played for Tippeligaen club Rosenborg and both Norwegian and American junior teams throughout his youth career.
When ESPN asked him if the preseason in the U.S. was much different than in Norway, Diskerud replied with a grin: “I won’t say it’s really that different, the only thing is that we get to use Manchester City facilities, and I must say that’s not the worst thing I’ve experienced.”
NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis happily welcomed Diskerud to the team. “I couldn’t be happier; he is such an exciting and dynamic player. He’s the type of player that [given] the direction that we’re going in; fits exactly with what we’re trying to do,” Kreis said to ESPN. “He wants to develop his game, and he certainly knows that he’s not a finished product, and is looking to develop his game, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
The team went on to win their first home game 2-0 against the New England Revolution on March 15, with an impressive crowd of 43,507 spectators.
With an incredible start to his MLS debut, Mix Diskerud is confident and ready to move forward in his American career, declaring: “From now on we can look forward. Everybody wants to win, of course, so that’s what we’re going to do.”
This article originally appeared in the April 24, 2015, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
