Soccer games are won or lost because of what happens on the field: The result is determined by the players, tactics, officiating, and conditions.
But superstitious beliefs have a long and sacred history in professional sports, which is why Hudson River Blue can confirm that New York City FC President and CEO Brad Sims will wear his blue plaid blazer for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal at Citi Field tomorrow. Reached via email, Sims said that he only pulls it out "for the most important games."
It will be a cold evening in Queens, with gusty winds making it feel like the low 30s at kickoff. Sims will have to layer if he is to keep warm – we suggest an insulated topcoat, good gloves, and an NYCFC scarf – but supporters of the club will be relieved to know that he will arrive at the stadium wearing what we now understand to be his lucky blazer, a jaunty plaid jacket that brings good luck to the club he oversees.
Sims confirmed that he wore it for Round One Game 2, which NYCFC won 3-1, and Game 3, when he traveled to Ohio to watch New York City defeat FC Cincinnati in penalty kicks. (See photo above.) Goalkeeper Matt Freese was the Player of the Match, and 19-year-old Mitja Ilenič scored the winning penalty, but the plaid jacket also played a role in New York City advancing through Round One.
Sims also wore his lucky blazer for both Hudson River Derby wins this year. He wore it to Citi Field on May 18, when New York City defeated New York Red Bulls in the first-ever Hudson River Derby played in Queens. (See photo above.) While Mounsef Bakrar scored the winning goal in that game, the plaid jacket deserves credit for what it did off the ball. And he it wore to Red Bull Arena on September 28, when NYCFC notched their biggest-ever derby win in club history.
That's right, the lucky jacket has a record of 3W-1D-0L this season.
The blazer is a classic American cut, with narrow lapels and flap pockets. The plaid is layers of light and dark blues, with a subtle sky-blue running through the pattern. Sims said he had the custom-tailored jacket made when he accepted the position at NYCFC in 2018.
It is, in other words, the perfect lucky blazer for the president and CEO of New York City FC.
Not only will Sims wear the jacket tomorrow, but he will also have the same shoes, socks, jeans, belt, lapel pin "and even underwear" (freshly washed) that he wore for Game 3. We expect nothing less of an executive with more than 20 years of experience working in professional sports.
More Eastern Conference Semifinal News:
Andrew Leigh
Matthew Mangam
Hudson River Blue Staff
Andrew Leigh
Oliver Strand
Hudson River Blue Staff
Hudson River Blue Staff
