New York City FC: Top 3 moves before 2021 season
2. Signing Homegrown Andres Jasson
Over the last few years, New York City FC has shown they are not afraid to give their academy players a shot. That is why one of the more underrated, but fantastic signings for 2021 is Andres Jasson. The 19 year old is a forward who can play on the wings, and was a vital part of the back-to-back US Soccer Development Academy U-19 National Championships team.
The Connecticut native was signed back in November to a Homegrown contract before the 2020 season even ended. Originally, he was set to play at Yale University, but with the suspension of collegiate sports due to the coronavirus pandemic, NYCFC swopped in to offer him an opportunity to play professionally, but still continue his education.
Between the 2020 preseason, and then this current preseason, Jasson already looks like a seasoned professional. His ability to move up the pitch into the attacking third in a speedy manner is noticeable, and he is not afraid to charge toward goal. Jasson not only will attempt to score on his end, but fits the role as a winger since he is always looking to pass the ball to someone in the box. Plus, he is not afraid to help out defensively, and will try to halt the attack and retrieve the ball.
In 2020’s preseason, as an academy player invited to practice with the team, Jasson registered a goal and an assist. This year in preseason, he drew two penalty kicks against Orlando SC, which illuminates his toughness in the attacking third. NYCFC even described him in the Orlando game as a ‘consistent threat’. In the preseason game against D.C. United, the 19 year old scored his first goal off a deflection from a D.C. player. That goal should give him confidence as NYCFC moves closer to the start of the season.
So far, Jasson has proved he deserves minutes in 2021. In fact, according to an interview completed by NYCFC radio analyst Glenn Crooks, Ronny Deila said he sees the young player as the “first choice on the left side”. Of course, that answer can always change. Nonetheless, the newest Homegrown player is ready to make a difference on the pitch, and might shock the league with his immense talent.