NYCFC Run Riot in 5-0 Victory Over Orlando

New York City FC returned to Yankee Stadium for their first home match of the 2026 season and did so in emphatic style, defeating Orlando City SC 5-0 to extend their unbeaten start.

Pascal Jansen made a single change from the side that beat Philadelphia Union 2-1, with Kai Trewin coming in for Raul Gustavo. NYCFC began brightly, with Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Maxi Moralez testing Orlando’s defense early, though neither could find the net.

The game turned in NYCFC’s favor when Orlando was reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was sent off for handling the ball outside the area. Six minutes later, Agustín Ojeda opened the scoring, volleying over substitute goalkeeper Javier Otero from a looping pass by Moralez, marking Moralez’s 100th assist for the club.

Tayvon Gray nearly doubled the lead soon after with a curling shot that narrowly missed. NYCFC continued to control the game, and a second goal came just before halftime when Fernández Mercau powered a header from a Moralez cross. In stoppage time, Fernández Mercau was fouled in the box, and Moralez calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-0 at the break.

NYCFC carried their momentum into the second half. Keaton Parks scored twice in quick succession, first in the 49th minute from Gray’s low cross and again in the 54th after intercepting a poor clearance.

Jansen made several substitutions in the second half, including Talles Magno replacing Moralez, and Gustavo, Carrizo, and Tanasijević coming on for Martins, Ojeda, and Parks. Magno came close to scoring but was flagged offside. Seymour Reid entered late for Fernández Mercau.

The match ended 5-0, a dominant display that reinforced NYCFC’s strong start to the season.

Player of the Match: Maxi Moralez – instrumental in creating three goals and converting the penalty, reaching his 100th assist milestone.

Next Fixture: NYCFC travel to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, March 14, kickoff 7:30 PM ET.