MLS is getting bullied by Manchester City

 

The newest Major League Soccer club, New York City FC was prepared to make a massive debut in 2015. NYCFC signed Spanish striker David Villa and then English center midfielder Frank Lampard to star for a side playing in the biggest city in the U.S.

It was a huge step for MLS, long the little brother of major European leagues. American soccer was bringing in world class talent from world class teams. Lampard might be the start of a promising trend for MLS.

Those hopes were dashed at the turn of the new year. Manchester City’s ownership made the decision on Wednesday to keep Lampard in England through May. The decision means that City’s New York affiliate won’t see their prized midfielder until three months into the MLS season.

The disrespect is real.

When NYCFC was announced as MLS’s 20th club, the message was clear and conciseL: This wouldn’t be Manchester City’s minor league. They were building a team of stars and Lampard was going to be centerpiece. NYCFC has sold 11,000 fans season tickets with visions of Lampard leading the side on opening.

That won’t be happening and it turns out that NYCFC is absolutely Manchester City’s minor league team.

Lampard has played 12 of 21 matches in the first Premier League this season – starting just three times. He adds depth to City, but little more. They don’t need him, they just want him.

In fairness, Lampard’s absence will likely have a very small impact on NYCFC’s inaugural season. More than half of the league makes the playoffs and if New York isn’t one of the top 12 teams, they have bigger problems than Lampard’s absence.

But the statement from City remains. New York isn’t a priority, their fans are unimportant, and MLS is utterly inferior.

Is that a statement American fans are willing to roll over and take?