NYCFC news roundup: David Lee, NYCFC II's 2025 season, and more | OneFootball

The international break is about to begin, and New York City FC is one of the teams that does not have to play during this time. In some ways, this is good, for the Pigeons are not playing without some of their players. At the same time, the break could hurt them since they will not play a match until October 18. The team desperately needs to win to have a chance at fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

In the meantime, there are items to cover. Here is the latest NYCFC news roundup that includes David Lee and more.

David Lee officially leaves NYCFC

In case one missed the news last week, it was announced that Sporting Director David Lee is leaving NYCFC. As such, the long-time member of the club's front office officially had his last day on Monday, October 6.

On Tuesday, the team released a video where Lee took a trip down memory lane and expressed what he was most proud of during his tenure. He discussed the 2021 MLS Cup, but also the development of players, both Homegrown and from other countries.

Understandably, Lee received plenty of criticism during his time as the sporting director. But he was not as bad as some NYCFC fans made him out to be. There will always be moves that do not work out, and that is seen in some of the top teams around the world. But he is also responsible for some of the top newer players, like Matt Freese. Perhaps, over time, Lee will be more appreciated.

NYCFC II's season is over

After a season of struggles, NYCFC II is officially done for the year. To have a chance at the playoffs, the MLS Next Pro team needed to beat Philadelphia Union II. However, the Baby Pigeons fell 4-3, ultimately ending the 2025 campaign.

So, after 28 games, NYCFC II ended the year with a record of 9-13-6. It was a disappointing run, especially after a solid start to the season.

There is no question that the side has helped some of the younger and Homegrown players with their development, especially Jonathan Shore. But likely, NYCFC would benefit more if the second team was more successful.

One aspect of the season that was positive, though, was that Seymour Reid scored 13 goals in 15 games. He is someone to watch as he continues to develop with both the MLS team and MLS Next Pro side.

Nine NYCFC players are with their national teams

As mentioned, it is currently the international break. Nine NYCFC players are with their national teams, including youth teams.

Matt Freese was called up to the USMNT, Alonso Martínez is with Costa Rica, Aiden O'Neill is with Australia, Reid will play with Jamaica, and Tomás Romero was called up to El Salvador. Notably, this is Reid's first call-up with Jamaica.

Then, Drew Baiera and Shore were called up to represent the USMNT U-19 team, while Máximo Carrizo will suit up for the U-17s. Mitja Ilenič will continue to play for Slovenia's U-21 side.

Meanwhile, since the USMNT and Australia will play each other on Tuesday, Freese and O'Neill could face one another. This would make the matchup an exciting one for NYCFC supporters.