NYCFC news roundup: Money, a former head coach, and a preseason match | OneFootball

New York City FC is a few weeks away from the start of the Major League Soccer season. There are still a few preseason matches to play, and maybe another signing or two before the first game. In addition, the Boys in Blue still have to put in the work, as there will be a few changes to the lineup based on injuries and departures. But thankfully, at least as of now, most of the team from 2025 is here for the 2026 campaign.

So, without further ado, here is the next NYCFC news roundup that includes a former head coach and more.

NYCFC made a little money

Former NYCFC Academy player Dante Polvara never played with the first team. After high school, he played college soccer at Georgetown University before signing his first professional contract with Aberdeen F.C. in Scotland.

But now, Polvara has made his way to Major League Soccer and signed with St. Louis City SC. However, since he was with the NYCFC academy, St. Louis could not just sign him. Rather, the Pigeons had given up their rights to first negotiate with the player by trading away the Right of First Refusal.

As such, the trade occurred, and the Bronx side made a little money. In return, the club received $50,000 of General Allocation Money. This can be put toward a new signing or trade. It is not much, but every little bit is helpful.

Former Head Coach Ronny Deila has a new job

Life has not necessarily been great for Ronny Deila since he left NYCFC in the summer of 2022. The head coach was successful with the Pigeons, winning the MLS Cup in 2021. Sadly, his time as the head coach at other teams, including Club Brugge KV and Atlanta United FC, has not gone according to plan.

Deila immensely struggled in Atlanta and was sacked after one season. But now, a few months later, the Norwegian has a new job. He has been named as the head coach for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. This will be his fifth team since leaving the Bronx.

Looking back, maybe he should have stayed with NYCFC for another year or two. Fans could only imagine what the team would have been like in 2023 and 2024 without Nick Cushing. But nonetheless, Deila continues to move around from one team to the next.

NYCFC won against Austin FC

On Sunday, NYCFC played against Austin FC in a preseason friendly. It was initially supposed to be behind closed doors, but season ticket holders were able to attend the fixture in person.

The Pigeons also provided more information as the match was played. In the end, the team won 2-0, with goals from Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Agustín Ojeda. Plus, Keaton Parks played in the game, providing hope that he might be ready for the start of the new season.

NYCFC will next head to California for the Coachella Valley Invitational. There are subsequently three more preseason matches.