Here at Orlando City UK, we love seeing fellow UK-based football fans take an active interest in Orlando City SC but also Major League Soccer as a whole.

With the huge 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarter-final between the Lions and New York City FC tonight, we saw it fit to speak to Portsmouth-based New York City FC fan @UKNYCFC.

#NewProfilePic ft. @AntonTinnerholm @adidasNYC @NYCFC pic.twitter.com/DyN7Eho8RP

— Andrew ‘Barney’ Barnard (@pompey_barney) February 11, 2019

Establishing his Twitter handle in January 2019, UK NYCFC is the creation of avid Portsmouth FC supporter Andrew ‘Barney’ Barnard.

UK NYCFC aims to bring together likeminded New York City FC fans in the United Kingdom.

With similar objectives to our own here at Orlando City UK, Andrew was self admittedly seeking an MLS fanbase as passionate as the Blue Army at his beloved Fratton Park in Portsmouth.

Orlando City UK caught up with Andrew to tell us more about UK NYCFC and just why he loves supporting our 2015 MLS expansion rivals, The Pigeons.

Why did you choose to follow New York City FC?

The announcement of a franchise in the City Football Group caught my eye in all honesty. I’m known amongst friends for supporting 100 clubs but it’s actually about two or three that I properly support.

These are Portsmouth and NYCFC alongside Arsenal, who were my childhood big club, but I had a soft spot for Manchester City as my brother-in-law is from Manchester.

He took me to my first ever Premier League game to see Manchester City play away at Charlton Athletic back in 2003 so I was always happy when City did well.

In 2013 when New York City FC’s formation was taking place, the idea of a football team in a baseball stadium seemed ludicrous and intriguing in equal measure.

When the signings of David Villa and then Frank Lampard were announced, I was sold!

What is your favourite thing about New York City FC?

I love New York City FC’s determination to play high possession and attacking, entertaining football. It suits Major League Soccer well and we often catch teams by surprise

Domènec Torrent has really started to make a positive impact on the squad and barring any long run of bad form, I see him staying in the role for quite some time, and I love that!

Do you think there is good access to following New York City FC in the UK?

In honesty at present, no.

We understandably got a lot more coverage when David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo were around and plenty when it was just David Villa and Jack Harrison.

Since they’ve all moved on, our TV coverage seems to have dipped. For UK fans, I also feel there is a gap in terms of social media and online presence.

That’s why I decided to start an active UK based Twitter feed that people could engage with.

With Sixth Borough Blues previously existing for British fans interested in New York City FC, I hope I can foster a large community of NYCFC supporters myself.

Where do you think New York City FC will finish in 2019?

This is a tough one. I think our regular season finish will be strong and perhaps our best yet. Maybe second or third in the East, although first is still in reach!

As for the MLS Cup Playoffs, I’m less optimistic. We’ve yet to perform in the post-season so if we could reach a conference final, I’d see that as a progress.

My prediction for NYCFC’s finish will be runners-up in the Eastern Conference and runners-up in the conference final.

I can also see New York City FC reaching the final of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

What is your favourite memory following New York City?

This is the easiest to answer – quite simply my trip to the Hudson River Derby to see New York City FC face rivals New York Red Bulls in August last year.

I still get knots in my stomach and goosebumps thinking about the excitement, nerves and anticipation in the lead up to my trip and arriving at Yankee Stadium.

The atmosphere was far higher and greater than I first expected, I met some great people and got soaked in beer during David Villa’s equaliser!

I was underneath a massive tifo for first time in my life and got to drink beer in the standing section during a game for the first time I can remember too. It was an unforgettable experience all round.

And last but not least… Do you think New York City FC will beat Orlando City SC in the cup tonight?

I feel the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarter-final will be a close game but overall I feel New York City FC will just edge it.

Perhaps a victory after extra-time with a debut goal by recent signing and Scot Gary Mackay-Steven. That’d be nice!