by DAVE MARTINEZ

Don Garber has a lot to say about the New York soccer scene.

The MLS Commissioner conducted a media roundtable on Thursday touching on several topics, from expansion, to new stadiums, team names and more. In that discussion, he addressed New York City FC’s pursuit of a soccer specific stadium.

“We waited many, many years for the Red Bulls to get their stadium situation resolved and it’s going to take quite some time in the case of NYCFC. But they are laser focused on it,” Garber said. “The partnership with the Yankees is very strong. The games are fun and packed with passionate fans. For now, it’s working really, really well.”

While giving his assessment of the NYCFC stadium search, Garber threw in another notable quote, crediting the recent rise of the New York Red Bulls — to the existence of NYCFC

“NYCFC is a great MLS team. It’s proven that the [New York] market can support two clubs. The Red Bulls are better because NYCFC is in town,” Garber said. “More people care about the sport in a very important city.”

The Red Bulls have indeed experienced a renaissance since 2013, roughly coinciding with the creation stage of NYCFC. However, it is important to note that the Red Bulls were going through a cultural change of their own at the time — one that de-emphasized the big spending days of the Thierry Henry years for a more homegrown, moneyball approach to soccer. That has led to success on the field, including the winning of two Supporters’ Shield trophies in three season.

Nevertheless, Garber points out the growing interest stemming from the Hudson River Derby as fueling the fortunes of both sides.

“Both teams have focused academy and development programs. Both have great commercial partners.

“The rivalry breaks through the professional sports clutter in the Tri-State area,” he states, making for an environment where “both teams are performing very well competitively.”