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MLS New York City FC

Flashback: Opening Days

February 21, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City Football Club's 2023 MLS campaign kicks-off on Saturday.

Nick Cushing's side begin the new term with a trip to Tennessee to face Nashville SC.

Ahead of the clash, we Flashback to three memorable opening day moments...

Mix 'N' Match

One for the history books...

Opening day of the 2015 campaign marked NYCFC's very first competitive game, and yielded the Club's very first goal in a memorable 1-1 draw at fellow expansion side Orlando SC.

Mix Diskerud earned the honor of becoming our first goalscorer, netting in the 76th minute, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and curling beautifully into the far corner to spark jubilant scenes, sending those who were there to witness the historic moment into raptures.

The Norwegian-born midfielder would be minutes away from standing as our first matchwinner - only for Kaka's deflected free-kick to salvage a dramatic point in injury-time, after Aurelien Collin had been dismissed with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

The Boys in Blue came within a whisker of becoming just the second side in MLS history to triumph on their debut on the road, but kicked off our maiden season on a positive note in front of a 62,510-strong crowd in Florida.

Speaking after the game, history-maker Diskerud described the achievement as an unforgettable experience, having written his name into NYCFC lore forever.

"It was a surreal experience when you see the ball get in the back of the net," he stated. "It was fun for me, and this experience is something I'll take with me for the rest of my life."

New York City FC at Orlando City SC: Highlights

Chicago Firecracker

A seven-goal thriller...

What a way to kick-off the 2016 campaign!

NYCFC were on the road again for our second season opener, traveling to Chicago Fire. Patrick Vieira's men were looking to ignite the year with a bang - and that we did!

Bagging four goals at Toyota Park, the Boys in Blue edged an enthralling encounter to stamp three points on the board, kicking-off another historic year in which City would go on to clinch a playoff spot for the first time.

Once again, Diskerud was on the scoresheet on Matchday One - and this time, he would prove the matchwinner, netting the crucial fourth of the afternoon.

Tommy McNamara's stunner had broken the deadlock with just ten minutes of the new campaign gone, before Răzvan CociÈ™ equalized nine minutes later.

A well-taken Tony Taylor shot on the spin regained the lead, before Khiry Shelton showed incredible composure to hand the visitors a commanding 3-1 advantage, marking the first time the Club had scored three times before the break.

There was more drama to come. After Kennedy Igboananike had reduced the deficit to 3-2 shortly after the restart, Diskerud struck again with a superb volley to restore our two-goal cushion, ensuring David Accam's late penalty proved a mere consolation to secure an impressive road win for the Boys in Blue, and our first opening day triumph.

Dream Debut

The perfect start.

Upon signing for a new Club, players can wish for little more on their first appearance than a win and a goal, and City's 2018 season opener against Sporting Kansas City delivered just that for Jesus Medina.

The Boys in Blue, who had ended the previous campaign in second spot overall, faced a difficult challenge against 2017's meanest defense, but bagged a goal in either half to emerge victorious.

Maxi Moralez opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, sliding home from close range, and Medina doubled the advantage eight minutes after the restart, finishing off a fine team move with a deft clip over Tim Melia.

There was late drama with a Sporting penalty awarded and then overturned by VAR, before Maxime Chanot was dismissed for denial of a goalscoring opportunity in the final moments.

City held firm for the win however, earning a memorable three points and our first opening day clean sheet.

NYCFC will kick off the 2023 MLS season on Feb. 25 when we visit Nashville SC at GEODIS Park (4:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).

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