Mix Diskerud Signs With NYCFC

Perhaps NYCFC believe that signing a U.S. Men’s National Team player will change the Mixed reaction in the Big Apple. At least that seems what the team is hoping after they signed midfielder Mix Diskerud on Tuesday. Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Diskerud, whose contract with Norwegian side Rosenborg ended last month, has long been on the radar for many MLS sides. At times both Columbus Crew SC and the Portland Timbers have expressed interest in the 24-year old center midfielder.

NYCFC had the number one spot in the Allocation Order ranking which gave them the first chance to negotiate a contract with Diskerud. He was acquired on a free transfer Rosenborg and will not be considered a Designated Player.

In a statement released to NYCFC.com, Diskerud said 

"New York City FC have made my wish as an American a reality by giving me the opportunity to play and live in the US. Everybody I have spoken to on the men’s national team about Jason Kreis has spoken highly of him to me. I felt exactly the same way after meeting him. I’m sure he will help me to develop my game, to succeed with our team here in New York and to stay involved with the national team. Coming to play for New York City FC was an easy decision for me."

With Rosenborg, Diskerud made over 59 appearances over the course of 3 seasons. He previously played for Staebaek in Norway, making 81 appearances between 2008 and 2012.

Although he was born in Oslo, Norway Diskerud’s mother is an American which made him eligible for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Originally part of the Norway youth system, Diskerud made the switch to the United States at the U-20 level and has been a part of their system ever since.

Since making the transition from Norway to the United States, Diskerud has made 25 appearances for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side and scored 5 goals. He was selected for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but was an unused substitute.

Off of the pitch NYCFC is banking that the addition of Diskerud, a U.S. Men’s National Team regular, will deflect some of the rancor that has come with the Frank Lampard situation. On Monday, NYCFC announced that Lampard had officially signed a contract with the club after months of confusion as to what his current status was with the club.

On the pitch Diskerud should fit in nicely into coach Jason Kreis’ attack. When Kreis was the coach of RSL he used a diamond formation in the midfield and had an attacking style that focused on possession and small passes. Diskerud is at his best when he can control the pace of the match and gradually move the attack up the pitch.

In the NYCFC midfield, Diskerud will either be used as a center midfielder or on the right. In the MLS Expansion Draft, NYCFC selected Ned Grabavoy, Mehdi Ballouchy, and Tommy McNamara. The club also traded for RSL midfielder Sebastian Velasquez earlier in the month. Although each of these players carries a specific skill that will help build Kreis’ midfield, none of them possess the pace or passing skills that Diskerud has.

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