Mix Diskerud: Who is the man who scored New York City FC's first MLS goal?
Monday 9 March 2015 13:15, UK
He's the answer to a future quiz question but just who is the man who scored the first MLS goal for newcomers New York City FC?
Name: Mikkel Morgenstar Pålssønn Diskerud (nicknamed Mix by his mother)
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
Club: New York City FC
Nation: United States (27 caps)
Mix Diskerud might have slipped under the radar as David Villa was lauded and Frank Lampard courted controversy, but it was the 24-year-old signed from Rosenborg who marked the arrival of Manchester City's sister side in Major League Soccer.
Brazil star Kaka went on to salvage a last-gasp 1-1 draw for fellow new franchise Orlando City but Diskerud's opener - a glorious curling effort after legendary Spain striker Villa nudged a ball into his path - gave credence to talk that this No 10 - a man who switches play, shoots on sight and sure picks his moment - is one to watch.
"To see that ball go in was an amazing feeling," said the floppy-haired Norwegian-born American after his strike in front of 62,000 in Florida. "We’ve been practicing that version of a corner kick. I didn’t have too much time but I think I caught Ricketts off guard because I scooped it kind of quick."
Oslo beginnings
Diskerud has been described as one of the brightest young stars of US soccer but he learned his craft in Norway before making a "dream" January move to New York.
He started out at hometown Oslo club Frigg, before being scouted at a local tournament by Stabæk in 2005. Three years he toiled in the youth set-up, before finally making a first-team against Brann in 2009 - and grabbing a late equaliser.
Belgian side Gent provided a brief change of scenery in 2012 and then came a breakthrough move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg. He managed eight goals and seven assists in 78 appearances for the Troll Kids, his magic moment a thumping volley - again with just minutes left on the clock - that saw his side past Legia Warsaw in the Europa League playoff round.
International recognition
Norwegian father, American mother; "I'd love to play for both countries but I can't," Diskerud once rued.
He made a handful of appearances for Norway's U18 and U19 sides but while he also turned out for a American U20s team at a 2008 tournament, he might not have pulled on the Stars and Stripes again were it not for a chance encounter by a corner flag.
"Then-U20 coach Thomas Rongen and I met at the Chivas Tournament in Mexico," Diskerud told Goal.com. "Rongen spotted me, came over, and asked for my nationality as I was about to take a corner-kick for Stabæk against the USA. It was the weirdest corner preparation I have had!"
He went on to rise through the American youth system and earned a first senior cap under Bob Bradley against South Africa in 2010.
Late interventions have come for country as well as club; he set up Juan Agudelo for a late winner that November day before scoring his first international goal against Russia two years later - a stoppage-time equaliser that reportedly had Russian president Vladimir Putin spilling coffee down his tie.
The No 10 shirt vacated by Landon Donovan soon came his way and while he failed to make it onto the pitch during the World Cup in Brazil, questions over his strength and defensive play, boss Jurgen Klinsmann has long liked what he sees.
"He's calm on the ball, he's got fine technique and he reads the game really well," Klinsmann said in 2013.
“Mix brings a lot of qualities but he also needs to learn to become more robust, to become more physical. We are there to guide him; I really believe you've got to give young players time."
Bite of the Big Apple
A 2014 switch to Celtic was rumoured - countryman Ronny Deila an admirer at Stromsgodset before his move to Glasgow - but though a move to the Portland Timbers foundered, Diskerud landed on US soccer's main stage with the new kids in town.
New York City might have had to wait for Lampard but they were able to unveil Diskerud back in mid-January - and sporting director Claudio Reyna trumpeted the man draped in sky blue as he faced the cameras.
"We couldn't be happier to have Mix coming to play in New York," Reyna told reporters. "He's one of the brightest young talents in US soccer and will be a fantastic addition to our Club and to MLS.
"Mix is a dynamic midfielder who will easily fit into the style we want to play here in New York City. He keeps possession well and gets everyone involved with his passing range."
American dream
The feeling's mutual. "New York City FC have made my wish as an American a reality by giving me the opportunity to play and live in the US," Diskerud gushed after signing up. "Coming to play for New York City FC was an easy decision for me."
Victory might not have come Diskerud's way on Sunday night but a stylish debut goal will have settled any nerves. While City await one midfielder's arrival, another's already looks a shrewd move.
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