In the 21st week of MLS action, New York City FC emerged victorious in a hard-fought away match against Orlando City SC. The home team took the lead with a goal from Robin Jansson in the 35th minute of the first half. Following a well-placed cross from David Brekalo, Jansson fired a shot from inside the box that went past the helpless goalkeeper.
Despite trailing, NYCFC rallied back with a crucial equalizer in the dying moments of the first half when Alonso Martínez scored in the 45th minute of the second half. Additionally, an own goal from Kyle Smith in the 41st minute of the second half sealed the win for the visitors.
Alonso Martínez had a remarkable performance, hitting the post in the 62nd minute when it could have potentially been an equalizer, demonstrating his attacking prowess throughout the match.
Orlando City SC significantly outshot their opponents, registering 25 attempts on goal compared to New York’s attempts, but failed to convert these chances into a victory.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Alonso Martínez, who not only scored but also took 4 shots on goal against Orlando City SC.
Another key figure for NYCFC was goalkeeper Matthew Freese, who showcased his skills by making 6 crucial saves to keep the home side at bay.
Orlando City SC’s head coach, Óscar Pareja, employed a 4-4-2 formation with Pedro Gallese guarding the net, supported by defenders Alexander Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and David Brekalo. The midfield was composed of Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta, César Araujo, and Iván Angulo, while the attack featured Luis Muriel and Martín Ojeda.
On the other side, NYCFC’s coach, Pascal Jansen, opted for a 4-3-3 strategy with Matthew Freese in goal, a defense consisting of Strahinja Tanasijevic, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, and Kevin O’Toole, a midfield trio of Maximiliano Moralez, Aiden O’Neill, and Andrés Perea, and an attacking line of Agustín Ojeda, Alonso Martínez, and Hannes Wolf.
The match official was Jair Marrufo.
Looking ahead, Orlando City SC will face New England Revolution in their next match, while New York City FC is set to visit Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park.
Substitutions for Orlando City SC:
- 63rd minute – Luis Muriel replaced by Ramiro Enrique
- 73rd minute – Iván Angulo replaced by Kyle Smith
- 74th minute – Marco Pasalic substituted by Dagur Thórhallsson
- 83rd minute – Martín Ojeda taken off for Nicolas Rodriguez
Yellow Card for Orlando City SC:
- 58th minute – César Araujo (Fouling an opponent to prevent progress)
Substitutions for New York City FC:
- 45th minute – Strahinja Tanasijevic replaced by Tayvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda replaced by Julián Fernández
- 69th minute – Maximiliano Moralez substituted for Monsef Bakrar
- 84th minute – Aiden O’Neill replaced by Jonathan Shore and Hannes Wolf by Seymour Reid
Yellow Cards for New York City FC:
- 38th minute – Strahinja Tanasijevic (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
- 84th minute – Aiden O’Neill (Unsportsmanlike conduct)