New York City FC Opens Home Slate by Blasting Orlando City SC
MLS New York City FC

New York City FC Opens Home Slate by Blasting Orlando City SC

Published on March 7, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City FC celebrate a goal against Orlando City SC
New York City FC celebrate a goal against Orlando City SC
(New York City FC)

New York City FC marked their 2026 home opener with a commanding 5-0 victory over Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium. Agustín Ojeda opened the scoring before Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Maxi Moralez extended the lead before halftime. Keaton Parks added two after the break as Pascal Jansen's side maintained their unbeaten start to the season in emphatic fashion.

This afternoon marks the 27th MLS Regular Season meeting between New York City FC and Orlando City SC with a record of 12-7-8 (W-L-D) scoring 52 goals and conceding 31.

Prior to today, the two sides last met on July 16, 2025, when New York City FC secured a 2-1 comeback victory at Inter&Co Stadium.

Including today's match, New York City has scored five goals against Orlando on three occasions, and all took place at Yankee Stadium.

The first time was on July 26, 2015, in a 5-3 win, the second was in a 5-0 shutout on July 25, 2021, and the third was this afternoon.

In last season's Home Opener, the 'Boys in Blue' faced Orlando, earning a 2-1 victory at Yankee Stadium.

Overall, New York City FC hold a 2-0-0 record in Home Openers against Orlando City SC.

New York City FC's record in Home Openers is 8-2-2 (W-L-D).

The last time New York City FC scored five goals in a Home Opener was in a 5-0 win against FC Cincinnati at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2021.

Every Home Opener for the team has been held at Yankee Stadium except for one, which took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex in Orlando, Florida on July 9, 2020. New York City lost 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union in this instance.

This is the first instance all-time in Club history where New York City's opponents have received a red card in three consecutive MLS Regular Season matches.

Over these three matches, New York City has stayed undefeated (2W-1D).

This is the 11th match where New York City has scored five or more goals.

The most recent time this occurred was in the Hudson River Derby in a 5-1 win against Red Bull New York at Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 28, 2024.

At home, New York City FC own an 9-3-2 regular season record against Orlando City SC, scoring 34 goals and conceding 13.

This afternoon marks the 27th MLS Regular Season meeting between New York City FC and Orlando City SC with a record of 12-7-8 (W-L-D) scoring 52 goals and conceding 31.

Prior to today, the two sides last met on July 16, 2025, when New York City FC secured a 2-1 comeback victory at Inter&Co Stadium.

Including today's match, New York City has scored five goals against Orlando on three occasions, and all took place at Yankee Stadium.

The first time was on July 26, 2015, in a 5-3 win, the second was in a 5-0 shutout on July 25, 2021, and the third was this afternoon.

In last season's Home Opener, the 'Boys in Blue' faced Orlando, earning a 2-1 victory at Yankee Stadium.

Overall, New York City FC hold a 2-0-0 record in Home Openers against Orlando City SC.

New York City FC's record in Home Openers is 8-2-2 (W-L-D).

The last time New York City FC scored five goals in a Home Opener was in a 5-0 win against FC Cincinnati at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2021.

Every Home Opener for the team has been held at Yankee Stadium except for one, which took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex in Orlando, Florida on July 9, 2020. New York City lost 1-0 to the Philadelphia Union in this instance.

This is the first instance all-time in Club history where New York City's opponents have received a red card in three consecutive MLS Regular Season matches.

Over these three matches, New York City has stayed undefeated (2W-1D).

This is the 11th match where New York City has scored five or more goals.

The most recent time this occurred was in the Hudson River Derby in a 5-1 win against Red Bull New York at Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 28, 2024.

At home, New York City FC own an 9-3-2 regular season record against Orlando City SC, scoring 34 goals and conceding 13.

NEW YORK CITY FC HEAD COACH PASCAL JANSEN

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On the team's start to the season and earning seven points from the first three matches...

"You can see we're improving again from where we started. We had a lot of work to do during preseason, and it's not finished quite yet, so we keep working in order to become a better team. You can see the growth within the three matches that we've played so far. For us, it was very important in the [Home Opener] to play for our own fans and make sure the energy on the pitch was there to connect with them immediately from game one at home. I think we did that, so that's a massive achievement for the team but also a big compliment to the fans coming back home. ‚¬Â

On the team's attacking performance and scoring five goals...

"Looking at the Philly [Philadelphia Union] game, we created some big moments against Philly as well, and a few less against [LA] Galaxy. Like I said just now, you can see that we're growing. We're not making such a big issue of the number nine that's not available for us. We all know that Tico [Forward Alonso Martínez] is working really hard to get back to the team and we have to be patient. I said it from day one: if we sign a new attacker, it has to be somebody who is going to add special impact qualities that we might need in this team. If that is not the case, I'm perfectly fine with the guys that are there now because you can see they can play. They were hungry today, very aggressive, and created a lot of possibilities and chances to score, even before it became 11 against 10. We're not worried, we'll just continue what we're doing now. ‚¬Â

On Midfielder Keaton Parks getting forward and scoring a brace...

"First, I'm very happy that [Midfielder] Keaton [Parks] is still healthy. That was priority number one, becoming healthy again. We all know that Keats [Keaton Parks] is a great player and a big personality for our team as well. There is a slight adjustment in the games that we've played so far, because also in the game against [LA] Galaxy and in the finishing touch against the previous game we played against Philly [Philadelphia Union], we were able to squeeze him up just a little higher on the pitch because we're also looking for a type of pressure in the middle of the pitch once we were in a plus-one situation. Obviously when the opponent goes down a man, like today as well, that allows him to move in a more offensive position throughout the game. What I'm very pleased with is that he got himself into the box and scored as well. The timing of the run and the delivery was good, and that's good for the team and for Keats. ‚¬Â

NEW YORK CITY FC MIDFIELDER MAXI MORALEZ

Sobre la gran victoria del equipo y su primer gol de la temporada...

"Bien, feliz, obviamente empezar así el torneo en casa, siempre lindo ganar, creo que se dio un abultado resultado pero creo que fue justo. Contento por la victoria más que nada por eso, la verdad que sí, es un gran partido lo que cuenta después obviamente en lo personal siempre lindo convertir pero creo que era primordial canal. ‚¬Â

On the team's big win and his first goal of the season...

"Good, happy, obviously to start the league at home like this - it's always nice to win. I think it ended with a big score, but I believe it was fair. No, I'm happy about the victory more than anything for that reason. Honestly, yes, it's a great match, and what counts most. Personally, of course it's always nice to score, but I think the main thing was channeling the team's efforts. ‚¬Â

Sobre mantener la intensidad después de que Orlando se quedó con 10 jugadores...

"Cuando uno se queda con un hombre menos también a veces por ahí es más difícil y que juega en contra. Así que hoy la verdad que lo supimos seguir llevándolo por arriba, empezamos así 11 contra 11 igual de la misma forma y bueno, terminamos el partido también de esa forma, así que la verdad que lindo. También está bueno mantener el arco cero que es importante y bueno, después obviamente las chances que tuvimos las convertí. ‚¬Â

On maintaining intensity after Orlando went down to 10 men...

"When you're down a man, sometimes it's more difficult and it can work against you, so today we knew how to keep playing aggressively. We started 11 against 11 in the same way, and we also finished the game that way, so it was really nice. It's also good to keep a clean sheet, which is important, and then, of course, I converted the chances we had. ‚¬Â

NEW YORK CITY FC MIDFIELDER KEATON PARKS

On the personal emotions of scoring after returning from injury...

"More on the second [goal]. The first one [goal] was just exciting. I always talk with [Defender] Tayvon [Gray], he's always looking for crosses for me, and I found one on the ground this time. It's usually a header, so that was exciting and I just celebrated with him. Then I realized what had happened and it was just nice to get back on the score sheet, but also just to get back to playing again after being out so long. The second one [goal] was just the best feeling. ‚¬Â

On recording a brace at home after returning from injury...

"It feels good. It's just pure excitement. After I scored the second one [goal], it was a bit of disbelief, but I was just happy to do it. The guys played great and they were all really happy for me, and to take advantage of the situation we earned tonight was nice. ‚¬Â

NEW YORK CITY FC DEFENDER KAI TREWIN

On his first few weeks in New York and acclimating to the City...

"Yeah, it was unbelievable. We obviously got off to a really good start, got that red card early, and then I felt like we capitalized on that and had a really good performance in front of a home crowd, which is amazing. I'm loving New York, loving living here. I'm in a really good spot at the moment and I've been in the City a few times, really cool experiences. As soon as I came into the house, I felt quite comfortable. The group's a good group of guys and they made me feel really comfortable from day one, as did the coaching staff. The transition from Melbourne to here has been quite easy. ‚¬Â

On making his home debut with New York City...

"I'm loving it, mate. My experience in New York so far has been unbelievable. We got a really good start, and I'm loving playing with the team. The way we play suits me a lot, and being out there playing with home fans made it easy for us. I'm happy we could repay them. ‚¬Â

Goal - NYC - 21' - Agustín Ojeda [26] - Click Here

Goal - NYC - 42' - Nicolás Fernández Mercau [7] - Click Here

Goal - NYC - 45+7' - Maxi Moralez [10] - Click Here

Goal - NYC - 49' - Keaton Parks [55] - Click Here

Goal - NYC - 54' - Keaton Parks [55] - Click Here

21' - NYC - Agustín Ojeda [26]

Scored with a left-footed shot from the center of the box with an xG of 13% to the bottom right corner.

54' - NYC - Keaton Parks [55]

Scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box with an xG of 57% to the central bottom zone. Assisted by Tayvon Gray [24].

49' - NYC - Keaton Parks [55]

Scored off penalty with a right-footed shot with an xG of 77% to the bottom left corner.

45+7' - NYC - Maxi Moralez [10]

Scored with a header from the center of the box with an xG of 12% to the middle-left zone. Assisted by Maxi Moralez [10], second assist by Aiden O'Neill [21].

42' - NYC - Nicolás Fernández Mercau [7]

Scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box with an xG of 8% to the upper left central zone. Assisted by Maxi Moralez [10], second assist by Kai Trewin [5].

Team First Half Second Half Full Time

Orlando City SC 0 0 0

New York City FC 3 2 5

Team

New York City FC (2-0-1)

Orlando City SC (0-3-0)

Possession % 68.3% 31.7%

Shots 13 4

Shots on Goal 6 1

Pass Accuracy % 91.9% 76.3%

Fouls 18 7

Corner Kicks 5 2

Saves 1 1

New York City FC (4-3-3)

Orlando City SC (4-4-2)

Head Coach: Pascal Jansen

[49] Matt Freese

[5] Kai Trewin

[13] Thiago Martins (C) (71' - [19] Strahinja Tanasijević)

[22] Kevin O'Toole

[24] Tayvon Gray

[10] Maxi Moralez (62' - [11] Talles Magno)

[21] Aiden O'Neill

[55] Keaton Parks (71' - [34] Raul Gustavo)

[7] Nicolás Fernández Mercau (87' - [99] Seymour Reid)

[17] Hannes Wolf

[26] Agustín Ojeda (71' - [29] Máximo Carrizo)

Head Coach: Oscar Pareja

[71] Maxime Crépeau

[4] David Brekalo

[21] Nolan Miller

[24] Griffin Doresy

[29] Tahir Reid-Brown (45' - [3] Adrian Marín)

[5] Luis Otávio (45' - [13] Duncan McGuire)

[8] Braian Ojeda

[10] Martin Ojeda (62' - [20] Eduard Atuesta)

[14] Tyrese Spicer (19' - [12] Javier Otero)

[77] Ivan Angulo

[87] Marco Pašalić (78' - [11] Tiago Souza)

Subs Unused

[2] Nico Cavallo

[30] Tomás Romero

[32] Jonny Shore

[34] Drew Baiera

Subs Unused

[12] Javier Otero

[19] Zakaria Taifi

[23] Harvery Sarajian

[41] Dylan Judelson

[57] Iago Teodoro

NYC

Yellow Cards (0)

NONE

Red Cards (0)

NONE

ORL

Yellow Cards (1)

7' - Tahir Reid-Brown [29] - Bad Foul

Red Cards (1)

16' - Maxime Crépeau [71] - Handball

Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.

AR1: Gerard-Kader Lebuis

AR2: Ben Pilgrim

4th Official: Ricardo Montero Araya

VAR: Geoff Gamble

AVAR: Tom Supple

New York City FC returned to home soil for the first time in 2026 as they hosted Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium.

The Boys in Blue were looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season against an Orlando side still searching for its first points of the campaign.

Head Coach Pascal Jansen made one change to the team that beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1 last time out, with Kai Trewin returning to the starting XI in place of Raul Gustavo.

The hosts started brightly, and Nicolás Fernández Mercau was able to get a shot away inside the opening minutes, although his effort failed to find the target.

Maxi Moralez was handed a great chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute after a deflected cross dropped into his path, but he could not keep his effort under the crossbar.

The game swung sharply in New York City's favor when, for a third straight match, its opponent was reduced to 10 men. This time, goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area.

New York City could not convert the resulting free kick, but the breakthrough came six minutes later when Agustín Ojeda broke the deadlock.

The winger ran onto a looping pass from Maxi Moralez and drove a volley into the ground and over substitute goalkeeper Javier Otero - the assist marking Moralez's 100th for the club.

Gray almost doubled the lead six minutes later, curling a beautiful effort from distance that drifted just wide of the target.

Orlando attempted to respond, but several well-timed interventions from New York City defenders helped blunt the visitors' attacks.

The hosts continued to control possession and were rewarded with a second goal just before halftime.

Moralez was again the architect, whipping in a cross that Fernández Mercau met with a powerful header past Otero. New York City added a third in first-half stoppage time after Fernández Mercau was fouled in the box.

Moralez stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom-left corner. Jansen's side picked up where they left off after the break and found a fourth goal in the 49th minute through Keaton Parks. The midfielder's first of the season came from Tayvon Gray's low cross, which Parks poked through Otero's legs.

Matt Freese was called into action minutes later when substitute Duncan McGuire powered a header toward goal, but the effort was comfortably handled by the New York City goalkeeper. Parks grabbed his second of the afternoon in the 54th minute to make it five.

The midfielder intercepted a poor clearance before side-footing the ball into the bottom-right corner. Jansen made his first change just after the hour mark, with Moralez receiving a standing ovation as he made way for Talles Magno.

Further changes followed in the 71st minute as Gustavo, Máximo Carrizo, and Strahinja Tanasijević replaced Thiago Martins, Ojeda, and Parks. New York City thought they had a sixth shortly afterward through Magno, but the offside flag denied him his first goal of the season.

Jansen's final change of the afternoon came in the 87th minute as Seymour Reid replaced Fernández Mercau.

That proved to be the final moment of note on a day when Pascal Jansen's side recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory at home.

Check out the New York City FC Statistics

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Images from this story

New York City FC huddle
New York City FC huddle
 New York City FC celebrate a goal against Orlando City SC
New York City FC celebrate a goal against Orlando City SC
  



Major League Soccer Stories from March 7, 2026


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