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New York City FC: 3 things we learned from preseason

By Caitlyn Chale

CARSON, CA - MAY 11: Maximiliano Moralez #10 of New York City celebrates his goal during the Los Angeles Galaxy's MLS match against New York City FC at the Dignity Health Sports Park on May 11, 2019 in Carson, California. NYCFC won the match 2-0 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - MAY 11: Maximiliano Moralez #10 of New York City celebrates his goal during the Los Angeles Galaxy's MLS match against New York City FC at the Dignity Health Sports Park on May 11, 2019 in Carson, California. NYCFC won the match 2-0 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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Valentín Castellanos
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 11: NewYork’s Valentín Castellanos (11) moves the ball up the field during the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United FC on August 11th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

New York City FC has been in preseason since January 12. Here are three things learned so far ahead of the 2020 campaign.

With the CONCACAF Champions League starting later this month, New York City FC has been in preseason since January 12. The Pigeons have already played four games and new head coach Ronny Deila has given academy players opportunities to demonstrate their talents.

While fans have not completely seen a typical starting XI play a full game, there are some questions on how Deila will conduct his lineups. Nonetheless, preseason, both on and off the pitch, has revealed quite a bit about the team for 2020.

Related Story. MLS: Grading 2020 Western Conference kits. light

Here are just three things learned so far about New York City FC.

Osaze De Rosario during the Florida Cup
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 15: during the Florida Cup soccer match between theNew York City FC and Corinthians on January 15, 2020 at Explorer Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Osaze de Rosario is a future star

It might be early to make this claim, but 18-year-old forward Osaze de Rosario is a future star.  He saw action in all four preseason games and scored twice. But the Canadian is not just a scorer, He is battler, a strong dribbler, wonderfully quick and powerful. He has many skills beyond just putting the ball in the back of the net.

While De Rosario started in Toronto FC’s academy, he moved to New York City FC in 2018. As the son of former Canadian international and MLS star Dwayne de Rosario, there was pressure to live up to his father’s name. But since his move, he has not disappointed, scoring 11 times with the U-18 and under 19s. He has quickly turned into a top prospect.

It is likely that NYCFC sign de Rosario to a homegrown contract. The team still has a need for another back-up center-forward and de Rosario has already shown he can play against top-quality players. Additionally, like any of the youth in the first team, he could always go out on loan to further development. But with someone like Ronny Deila as head coach, who is notorious for developing youth, being a part of the first team could be extremely valuable for the young Canadian.

Still, this preseason has revealed de Rosario’s quality and value as a player. He will be a star no matter where his journey takes him.

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