IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by CHRISTIAN ARAOS

Where is Frank Lampard? Not at New York City FC training.



Lampard did not train Wednesday and has been given time off as he continues to recover from a lingering calf injury.

“We are a tight team, a really strong team,” NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira said. “We believe that the only way we can achieve our goal is to stick together. During the season, we’re going to face tough spells and our togetherness will get us through it. Frank is a part of it and I can’t wait for him to get back on the pitch.”

Lampard was not seen at training late last week, though the midfielder has been working individually throughout the season.

Vieira said Lampard is still with the team for some activities.

Jack Harrison trains for the first time

Jack Harrison trained with the rest of the New York City FC squad for the first time Wednesday.

The rookie winger has been training by himself for a few weeks while recovering from a groin injury that kept him sidelined for the entire preseason. Vieira said it was exciting to see Harrison with the team after his time sidelined.

“I’m really pleased to see him on the field because he is a talented young boy,” Vieira said. “He’s just coming in and out this week because we have to look after him. Hopefully for next week, he can be available for selection.”

NYCFC announced it would be placing Harrison on the disabled list before their match with Toronto FC March 13. According to MLS Roster Rules, Harrison will not be eligible for selection City’s match against the Montreal Impact April 27.

Crew SC ‘play some of the best soccer in the league’

Columbus Crew SC and NYCFC find themselves looking for the same things.

Columbus are winless this year while City have failed to win since the season opener. Both sides are creating chances but can’t convert. Vieira said Crew SC are a better team than their current form of two points in five matches would suggest.

“They are not in a position where they are supposed to be,” Vieira said. “I’ve seen all their games and they play some of the best football in the league but they’ve been really unlucky. They create a number of chances and I believe that they will be one of our biggest challenges so far.”

Vieira said Kei Kamara‘s strength as a center forward and Federico Higuain‘s playmaking present the greatest challenges to the NYCFC defense.