Episode 3 of the Hudson River Blue Podcast arrives during a busy three-match week for New York City FC, so hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan have lots of ground to cover. They start by looking back at another NYCFC lead lost in a road draw with DC United, a decent defensive performance that still wasn't enough to earn a slump-busting win.

John and Mark also discuss the arrival of billionaire Marcelo Claure as part of New York City FC's ownership group before shifting focus to what lies ahead on the field, specifically the two home matches against Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami CF.

That includes some discussion of the spectacle that awaits when Lionel Messi steps onto the Yankee Soccer Stadium pitch for the first time, which will cost you a pretty penny to see in person — and which will be a big test for a struggling NYCFC side.

The final portion of Episode 3 features a guest appearance from Hudson River Blue's senior editor, Andrew Leigh, who joins John to provide a post-match reaction to the lopsided 5-1 home loss to Philadelphia Union, which made it eight straight MLS matches without a win for NYCFC. What will that heavy defeat mean for New York City as it heads into the final five matches of the MLS season?

Listen to Episode 3 for more on that, and find more coverage at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to also follow us on X and Instagram.

After New York City FC dropped a refreshed badge somewhat out of nowhere to mixed reviews, Hudson River Blue Podcast hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan share their thoughts on the new look. Maybe introducing the crest when the team have just one win in their last 11 games played wasn't the best timing.

Episode 2 also has us again wondering what life might be like with Luis Barraza – he of the less-than-stellar recent performances in Leagues Cup and in MLS NEXT Pro – as the NYCFC starting goalkeeper, pending the health status of Matt Freese after his injury suffered against Columbus Crew.

The episode wraps up with a preview of DC United preview, and the dangers posed by New York City's Eastern Conference rival and their MLS Golden Boot contender, striker Christian Benteke. We close out with a discussion of Mauricio Pochettino's hire as the next head coach of the United States men's national team, with Mark sharing a Spurs-fan perspective on the new USMNT leader.

You can read more at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow us on X and Instagram.

Welcome to the first-ever Hudson River Blue Podcast! Join hosts John Baney and Mark Radigan as they talk through New York City FC's tough loss to Columbus Crew, how the officiating did/didn't influence the game, and what losing Matt Freese to injury might mean this late in the season.

Looking ahead, they break down this next run of games as NYCFC have to run the gauntlet in their hunt for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. It means staying ahead of DC United and Philadelphia Union, two dangerous teams that are desperate to make the playoffs — and that are New York City's next two opponents. Finally, they celebrate Alonso Martínez, whose talent for finding the goal is turning him into one of the most effective and ruthless strikers in MLS.

You can read more at Hudson River Blue. Be sure to follow HRB on X and Instagram.