In Week 21 of the MLS, New York City FC achieved a crucial away victory against Orlando City SC, ending the match 2-1. The home team’s only goal was scored by Robin Jansson in the 35th minute of the first half. NYCFC responded with two goals: Kyle Smith scored an own goal in the 41st minute of the second half, and Alonso Martínez netted the match-winner in the dying moments at the 45th minute of the second half.
Robin Jansson’s goal came after he connected with a cross from David Brekalo, firing a powerful shot into the net, leaving the NYCFC keeper with no chance.
In a crucial moment during the second half, NYCFC’s Alonso Martínez hit the post in the 62nd minute, narrowly missing the chance to equalize the match.
Orlando City SC outshot their opponents significantly, registering 25 attempts on goal, but were unable to convert their chances into victory.
The standout player of the match was Alonso Martínez, who contributed significantly to the attack with one goal and four shots on target.
Matthew Freese, the NYCFC goalkeeper, was instrumental in the win, making six crucial saves against Orlando City’s relentless offense.
Orlando’s head coach, Óscar Pareja, set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation with Pedro Gallese in goal; Alexander Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and David Brekalo in defense; Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta, César Araujo, and Iván Angulo in midfield; and Luis Muriel and Martín Ojeda leading the attack.
On the other hand, NYCFC, managed by Pascal Jansen, employed a 4-3-3 strategy with Matthew Freese guarding the net; Strahinja Tanasijevic, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, and Kevin O’Toole in defense; Maximiliano Moralez, Aiden O’Neill, and Andrés Perea in the center; and Agustín Ojeda, Alonso Martínez, and Hannes Wolf up front.
The referee for this match was Jair Marrufo.
Next, Orlando will face New England Revolution, while NYCFC will visit Sporting Kansas City at the Children’s Mercy Park.
Substitutions for Orlando City SC
63’ 2nd Half – Luis Muriel replaced by Ramiro Enrique
73’ 2nd Half – Iván Angulo replaced by Kyle Smith
74’ 2nd Half – Marco Pasalic replaced by Dagur Thórhallsson
83’ 2nd Half – Martín Ojeda replaced by Nicolas Rodriguez
Yellow Card for Orlando City SC:
13’ 2nd Half – César Araujo (holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
Substitutions for New York City FC
45’ 2nd Half – Strahinja Tanasijevic replaced by Tayvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda replaced by Julián Fernández
69’ 2nd Half – Maximiliano Moralez replaced by Monsef Bakrar
84’ 2nd Half – Aiden O’Neill replaced by Jonathan Shore and Hannes Wolf replaced by Seymour Reid
Yellow Cards for New York City FC:
38’ 1st Half – Strahinja Tanasijevic (unsportsmanlike conduct)
39’ 2nd Half – Aiden O’Neill (unsportsmanlike conduct)