NYCFC enters the third match week of the 2025 MLS season in a celebratory mood.
Though two less-than-favorable results against Inter Miami and LAFC have left the squad hungry for more, the club’s upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration this Saturday against Orlando City has sparked a sense of nostalgia and renewed hope.
The club kicked off the milestone with events across New York City, beginning with a celebration at Lavan Midtown on March 2nd. After that was a media day at the Empire State Building with midfielder Maxi Moralez, goalkeeper Matt Freese, and club legend Andrea Pirlo lighting up the building in City blue.
Now, all eyes shift to Yankee Stadium as the club seeks its first win of the year.
Head coach Pascal Jansen hopes to use this energy as forward momentum and a rallying cry for his squad.
“We’re looking forward to this game. The guys are eager to prove themselves again and excited to play at Yankee Stadium,” Jansen told reporters ahead of the match.
“The fact that we’re facing Orlando adds extra emotion to the occasion [10 years since our first-ever match, also against Orlando]. Plus, one of my assistant coaches, Mehdi Ballouchy, played in that original match, so he knows exactly what it feels like. We’re going to channel that emotion into our preparation to make sure we’re ready for this game.”
On March 8, 2015, NYCFC took on Orlando City in its inaugural game.
Broadcast on ESPN, NYCFC took the field against the Lions and fought valiantly for a 1-1 draw. Goals by then-City player Mix Diskerud and Orlando’s Kaka set the stage for a highly competitive rivalry that has lasted for years.
Fast-forward 10 years, and while this current iteration of NYCFC doesn’t have the star power of previous teams, what they do have is grit and a determination to win.
“I was told this marks the club’s 10th anniversary, and coincidentally, the inaugural match was also against Orlando, so emotions will be high. It’s a big night for us,” Jansen said when asked about the occasion.
“Traveling to Miami and Los Angeles has been a challenge, and while we performed okay in those games, we know we can do better. What better opportunity to do that than in front of our home fans?”
The close loss to LAFC was a reminder to this squad that there is still work to be done – especially in midfield. Though City held their own for most of the match, one moment of magic from Denis Bouanga on the wing assisting LAFC’s game-winner was ultimately NYCFC’s undoing.
Against Orlando, the club is relying on the momentous occasion of its 10th anniversary to finally get a win.
“Obviously, the start on the road was challenging, both in terms of the competition we faced and the results, but that’s in the past now,” defender Kevin O’Toole told the media.
“Our focus is on looking forward and using this home opener as an opportunity to start off on the right foot. In the short term, our focus is on starting strong, and in the long term, we’re committed to building something special for the future.”
Orlando City has long been a thorn in NYCFC’s side since its inception. The historic head-to-head series sees both teams tied on 10 draws after 26 matches played; Saturday will be another addition to the hotly contested matchup.
Led by manager Oscar Pareja and backed by an energetic attack that includes Martin Ojeda and newly signed Designated Player Marco Pasalic, the Pigeons will look to spoil Orlando’s strong start in MLS after coming off a 4-2 win over Toronto FC the previous week.
With City struggling in defensive transition, Jansen and his squad must be careful not to concede any late goals – a concerning trend that has plagued them in the first two games of the season.
With emotions running high and NYCFC eager to get that first win, the club hopes to mark its 10th anniversary in style.
“We’re very excited. It’s an honor to play in this match, especially as we celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary. As you mentioned, I believe the inaugural match was also against Orlando City, so it’s a great way to commemorate the club’s history,” O’Toole said.
“More than anything, we’re just excited to be back in front of our fans and give everything we have to earn three points.”
As the Pigeons take the pitch at Yankee Stadium, they’ll not only be battling Orlando but also embracing the weight of a decade’s worth of challenges, triumphs, and memories.
