New York City FC Seeks First Win Against Orlando City in Home Opener

NEW YORK, March 8, 2025 — New York City FC will look for their first victory of the 2025 Major League Soccer season when they host Orlando City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night.

The Boys in Blue enter the match winless, having suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC in their last outing. Manager Nick Cushing’s side earned just one point from their first two matches of the season, a performance that’s not uncommon for the club, as they have struggled in recent openers.

In contrast, Orlando City is coming off a strong performance, defeating Toronto FC 4-2 in their last match. The Lions are ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference after splitting their first two games this season. Last week, they showcased their offensive capabilities against a struggling Toronto side, marking a comeback after a disheartening 4-2 loss to Philadelphia Union.

NYCFC’s history suggests they often take time to find their stride early in the season. They have not won their first two matches in each of the last three years. Notably, they have won only one of their last six regular-season matches played in March, which came last year against Toronto.

“We need to find our rhythm quickly,” Cushing said. “Playing at home in front of our fans gives us that extra motivation.”

The Pigeons will rely on players like Alonso Martinez, their leading scorer from last season, to spark the attack. Martinez has become a significant contributor for the club and was instrumental in their previous successes.

Orlando City has shown resilience after their early loss, with standout performances demonstrating their attacking prowess. However, they must tighten their defense, which was exploited by the Union in their season opener.

“We’re looking to build on our last game and keep the momentum going,” Orlando manager Oscar Pareja said. “Winning away from home is always tough, but we believe in our team.”

In terms of lineup changes, both teams have had their share of injuries. NYCFC will miss Malachi Jones, while Orlando’s Robin Jansson is also sidelined.

The head-to-head record between these two clubs is even with 9 wins each, and 8 matches ending in draws. However, NYCFC has had recent success at home against Orlando, winning four consecutive meetings at Yankee Stadium.

As both teams aim for their respective goals, fans can expect a thrilling match that may set the tone for the rest of the season. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM ET.