Andrea Pirlo joined New York City FC last summer as one of soccer’s biggest stars, but struggled through the season as one of MLS’s biggest disappointments. With NYCFC opening its season Sunday in Chicago, the 36-year-old midfielder, who could be key to their campaign, insists 2016 will be better.
The Italian maestro had five assists in 13 games in his debut season, but was held without a goal, struggled defensively and looked old on a team that finished tied for the second-fewest points in MLS and got coach Jason Kreis fired.