Since entering Major League Soccer in 2015, New York City Football Club has sought a key point of differentiation from its local pro soccer predecessors: a commitment to the five boroughs. Their young star in the making, midfielder Jonny Shore, serves as an embodiment of that commitment.
While Red Bull New York and the New York Cosmos settled for homes in New Jersey, NYCFC made a concerted effort to establish itself east of the Hudson, putting its flag in the concrete of the City rather than the marsh of Meadowlands. Those roots took hold among the club’s passionate fans and its impressive youth academy. Shore, NYCFC’s Manhattan-raised fan turned player, is the latest point of pride in this ongoing local success story.
Shore plays with the confidence you’d expect from someone who grew up playing in a city like New York. He ducked past defenders in pickup games at Pier 40 like he weaved through the crowds on the 1 train he took to get there. Above all, he has an impeccable understanding of what’s happening around him—an ever-important New York City trait.
Photo: Vincent Tullo
Shore picked up the world’s game from a notably young age and never let that head start slip. He signed for NYCFC’s academy at 10 years old, their first team at just 15 and became the club's youngest goal scorer at the time at 18, with a towering header—redirecting the ball with his head—over a 6'3" defender, despite Shore’s 5'8" frame.
Now 19, Shore has 40 MLS appearances and counting to his name and is one of the brightest young midfield prospects in the league.
With NYCFC’s long-awaited stadium, Etihad Park, set to open next year, and with the FIFA World Cup set to host its final at MetLife Stadium this July, the New York City soccer scene is set to explode. And Jonny Shore, striding into the best years of his career, finds himself uniquely well-positioned for what could be New York City’s modern soccer heyday.
We sat down with Shore to talk about the advantages of playing soccer in this global city, the City’s various pathways to playing Major League Soccer and the future of the sport in NYC.
Photo: Vincent Tullo
What was it like growing up in New York City? Can you tell us a bit about your childhood and the neighborhood you grew up in?
JS: I loved growing up in New York City—I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else. I grew up in Manhattan, on the Upper West Side. I’ve lived there my whole life and still live there now. I went to public school and just loved playing with my friends growing up. I have great memories from when I was young.
[My favorite spots in the neighborhood are] Central Park and Riverside Park. They’re part of a lot of neighborhoods, but those are definitely my favorites. When I was really young, I played pickup soccer at my local park at PS 199. But then I would always play at Pier 40 and Pier 5. I think those are the two best pickup places in the City.
Photo: Victor Llorente
When did you first get into soccer? And how did you find yourself at NYCFC’s academy at just 10 years old?
JS: I started really young, around 3 or 4 years old. My mom grew up watching the game and really enjoyed it. My sister played a bit when she was younger, and I would join in sometimes. I always loved it from a young age, so it just came naturally. When I was really young, I just played for fun.
I joined [Manhattan Kickers] when I was four and a half. For me, it’s one of the best development clubs in the tristate area. They would give us all these experiences: I went to Spain with them three times. It was a competitive club; a lot of people have come out of there and had good careers—they’re starting their careers there.
I went to train with NYCFC’s academy once before I went on a trip to Barcelona with Manhattan Kickers, where I did really well. Then they brought me in, I joined my U-11 year, and it was a pretty smooth, easy transition.
Between making your senior debut, starting an MLS Cup Playoff match and scoring your first MLS goal, do you have a favorite moment in your career so far? And what does it mean to represent NYCFC at such a young age?
JS: All of those moments mean a lot, especially having gone through the whole pathway from the academy. But my debut is probably the most special just because it was my first game.
I feel a lot of pride when I put on the shirt, because I’ve been a fan since the team was created. I remember how excited I was when they announced NYCFC, and that New York was getting a franchise in MLS. So I’m always excited and proud whenever I play.
Photo: Victor Llorente
Photo: Victor Llorent
Photos: Victor Llorente
Is soccer culture different here in New York City than in other places in the country? How has that impacted you and your game?
JS: Yeah, definitely. When I used to go play pickup, there’d be players from all over the world. There are different play styles, people have unique ways of seeing the game and playing the game. So it’s just different from any other city, or even country, in the world.
It has helped me a lot. I feel like I could adapt to different situations just because I’ve played against so many different types of players.
It’s helped me become versatile while playing different positions.
Photo: Victor Llorente
How has soccer in the City changed in your lifetime? And how might a place like Etihad Park influence further change?
JS: Now, there are so many more people playing. There are a lot more teams, different pathways—the overall level of players has grown because the teams and coaches have gotten better, and the pathway is clear. So people can see where they can go, and they have bigger dreams and aspirations.
[It will be] huge to finally have a permanent home. Obviously, all the players are very excited, but even more for the fans. It’s going to help New York grow as a soccer city, make the team more competitive and just make everything better.
I think [Etihad Park will impact New York soccer culture] a lot. Our fanbase will grow, and it could be the main hub for soccer in New York. A lot of people are going to be coming to the games, and the atmosphere is going to be great. It’s going to transform soccer in the City.
Photo: Vincent Tullo
Lighting Round
Central Park or Prospect Park?
Central Park, definitely
Best pickup soccer spot in the City?
Pier 40
Favorite subway line?
The 1/2/3
Favorite sports team other than NYCFC?
New York Knicks
What’s your bagel order?
Bacon, egg and cheese on a plain bagel
If you could live anywhere in the City, what neighborhood would you live in?
The West Village
If all five boroughs fielded a soccer team of players only from that borough, who would win?
I would say Manhattan. I think there’s been a bunch of good players that have come out of Manhattan.
Photo: Vincent Tullo