- The Mane Event: Stories of an Amateur Soccer Club in NYC
- Posts
- At the Cusp of Greatness
At the Cusp of Greatness
One Game, One Legacy.

June 17th, 10:37 PM. Randall’s Island, Field 75.
Countless pairs of boots rest still on the turf. Bodies sprawled. Hearts pounding. Twenty grown men are yelling, hugging, collapsing. Some with tears of joy, others with a grief only the game can give.
So far, this prediction feels 99% accurate. The 1% left? Whether those tears will be for triumph… or heartbreak.
The Club That Roared to Life
NY International FC was born in 2019 when three immigrant friends united by nostalgia, passion, and a relentless love for the game decided to recreate the magic of the clubs they grew up with in Europe. The mission? More than winning. It was to build a community. A home. A club where the pitch became a second family.
From pick-up games to the organized grind of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL), NY International Football Club grew into a cultural mosaic of footballers brought together not by profession, but by the beautiful game.

First ever team pic for NY International FC in August 2019.
A Season on the Edge
Just a week ago, NYIFC stood one step away from CSL Division 1 glory. In the playoff final against Polonia SC, we battled through regulation and extra time, only to fall in a ruthless penalty shootout, 4-2. Ironically, the semis against FC Sandžak had seen us win by the same scoreline, in the same brutal lottery.
Football, as always, giveth and taketh away.
But there’s no time to dwell.

The team celebrating the penalty shootout win during the semi-final
credit: Naoko Tanaka @Chunktank
The Clash Ahead: NYIFC vs. Leros SC
Next up: a showdown with Leros SC, a powerhouse from the Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL). This isn’t just a match, it’s a defining moment. A victory could elevate NYIFC into the highest echelon of amateur football in New York State.
This playoff isn’t just about silverware or status. It’s about identity. Will NYIFC remain a force within the CSL, or take a bold step into a broader competitive landscape?
This Is More Than a Game
For the players, it’s years of sweat, sacrifice, and subway rides to Randall’s.
For the founders, it’s the living proof that dreams can take shape in America.
For the fans, it’s hope dressed in black and gold.
Whether you’ve stood with us from the start, or just joined the Pride, this match is your match too.
Join the Pride
We’ll see you on June 17th. Field 75. Under the lights.
Bring your voice. Wear your colors. And find out next week what kind of tears we’ll be shedding.
Because no matter the outcome: NY is Black and Gold.