On a chilly Saturday evening at Yankee Stadium, NYCFC capped off their 10th anniversary celebration with a 2-1 home-opener win over Orlando City.
Hannes Wolf scored the game-winner in the 71st minute, capping off a dizzying 12-minute stretch that featured all three of the match’s goals. Alonso Martinez scored the host’s opener in the 59th minute before Luis Muriel found an equalizer for Orlando 10 minutes later.
New York started the game strong, dominating possession thanks to midfielder Maxi Moralez. The Argentine was the metronome that kept NYCFC’s system ticking. There were several times when the 38-year-old managed to connect to his attacking front three of Wolf, Martinez, and Julian Fernandez in the final third.
The trio ran the channels well, splitting Orlando’s defense and getting on the end of Moralez’s extended passing range. Whether it was passes over the top of Orlando’s defense or slick through balls into the middle, Moralez was the sole creative outlet for the Pigeons.
Eventually, the pressure was too much for Orlando’s backline, with the boys in blue breaking the deadlock in the 59th minute through Martinez, giving City a 1-0 lead.
Though there was concern that the Pigeons might suffer another late-game collapse when Orlando pulled one back just 10 minutes later, the center-back duo of Justin Haak and Thiago Martins held firm. Their defensive displays gave NYCFC’s attack the platform to score the game-winning goal of the match through Wolf.
While a late red card to defender Kevin O’Toole nearly shifted the game in Orlando’s favor in the dying seconds, NYCFC’s defense held up, giving the team their first three points of the season.
After the match, head coach Pascal Jansen stressed how vital it was for NYCFC to fight back and find the game-winner.
“Very important, because we didn’t look like we were going to concede. Once we did, we responded immediately. What [better way] than getting a goal back two minutes later,” Jansen said. “If you go back to the previous two games where we conceded late goals, in Miami, it cost us the win, and in LA, it cost the game. So, getting back the way we did in this game shows that we have character, and we’re ready to compete to the final second of the game.”
Although the City’s defensive efforts deserve credit, plaudits must go to the offensive work-rate of NYCFC’s attack, specifically Wolf and Moralez.
While Moralez wasn’t on the scoresheet, his influence was vital. He ended the match with three chances created and a game-high nine passes into the final third.
“Maxi played a good game tonight,” Jansen said. “He had a good connection with the other two midfield players, was aware of the areas where he should be playing, and exposed the weakness of the opponent. Given the fact that he was sick tonight, makes it extra special for him. But I agree, he played a good match and hopefully, he can continue like this, because like I told you guys, we’re trying to keep Maxi 100% every week because he’s a very important player for the team.”
Similarly, Wolf’s speed and ability to find space between the defenders was critical for NYCFC in finding the game-winner. Jansen hopes this goal will start a good run of form for the German, who hasn’t scored since July 2024.
“He’s very reliable, especially when we’re not in possession, but I’m looking for more. In scoring a goal tonight, that might help him a little bit more,” Jansen stated.
“On the offensive side, he’s trying to find that control in certain areas so we can support him as a team to make sure we get bodies up front.”
The lead-up to NYCFC’s home opener was filled with excitement and remembrance. With a media day at the Empire State Building and celebratory events across the city, the team acknowledged their modernity while still honoring the past decade.
With their first win of the season under their belts, NYCFC will look to build on this momentum when they take on the New England Revolution at home on Saturday. Another win at Yankee Stadium will not only boost the squad’s confidence but also show that the team is finding its rhythm under the Dutchman.
