New York City FC celebrated a special milestone on Saturday as they kicked off their 10th anniversary with a thrilling home opener against Orlando SC at Yankee Stadium. The match marked the same date as their first-ever game back in 2015, and this time, NYCFC was determined to change the outcome.
The game ended in a 2-1 victory for NYCFC, thanks to a crucial goal from forward Hannes Wolf in the 71st minute. Wolf’s header came after a scramble in front of the goal, following a save attempt by Orlando’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. This victory was especially sweet for NYCFC, as it was their first win of the season after drawing with Inter Miami and losing to LAFC in previous matches.
Star striker Alonso Martinez also made his mark by scoring the opening goal in the 59th minute. Martinez capitalized on a shot from Maxi Moralez that hit the post, tapping in the rebound to give NYCFC the lead. However, the excitement was briefly dampened when Orlando’s Luis Muriel equalized just two minutes later, sending a wave of concern through the home crowd.
NYCFC’s coach, Pascal Jansen, praised the team’s resilience in bouncing back quickly after conceding the equalizer. He emphasized the importance of showing character and responding immediately, which they did with Wolf’s goal shortly after. Jansen noted that the team had previously struggled with late goals in their earlier games, making this response even more significant.
The match saw a flurry of chances from both teams, especially in the second half. NYCFC ramped up the pressure, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans rallied behind their team. Despite a late challenge when defender Kevin O’Toole received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 87th minute, NYCFC held on to secure the win.
In addition to the thrilling match, the event was also a celebration of the club’s history. Before the game, NYCFC welcomed back former players, including club legend Andrea Pirlo, who spoke about the importance of the new stadium set to open in Queens in 2027. Pirlo highlighted how a strong infrastructure is essential for attracting top talent to the club.
The match also featured 17-year-old Jonathan Shore making his first MLS start, adding to the excitement of the day. Overall, NYCFC’s home opener was a memorable occasion, marked by a hard-fought victory and a celebration of the club’s journey over the past decade.