The sun always shines after the storm, right? Orlando City SC flipped the script last Saturday, securing their first MLS win of 2025 with a commanding 4-2 victory over Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium. After falling by the same scoreline a week prior, the Lions got that monkey off their back at the second time of asking, proving that a week is a long time in soccer!
Now, City hit the road for the first time this MLS regular season, facing New York City FC at Yankee Stadium – a tough test that kicks off a stretch of four away games in our next five. This game is NYCFC’s 2025 MLS home opener, but The Pigeons come into it scarred after losing 1-0 at Los Angeles FC on Matchday 2.
Last time out
Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC will take confidence from their sharp combination play and clinical finishing in a crucial 4-2 win over Toronto FC. With some early season pressure mounting after an embarrassing 2-4 home opener loss to Philadelphia Union, City responded well, settling squad and supporter nerves at Inter&Co Stadium. On the night, César Araújo’s fine free-kick, Alex Freeman’s first-ever MLS goal, and Martín Ojeda’s composed finish showcased City’s attacking quality. Dagur Dan Thórhallsson then capped it off with a ‘don’t forget me, boss’ strike just 40 seconds after coming off the bench, sealing a much-needed victory to get us back on track. In second-half stoppage time, Gustavo Caraballo also made his MLS debut for Orlando City SC at just 16 years, 6 months, and 3 days old, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. He surpassed Alejandro Granados, who debuted at 17 years and 11 days back in June 2023.
Last head-to-head
On July 20, just prior to the 2024 Leagues Cup break, Orlando City SC drew 1-1 with New York City FC at Inter&Co Stadium. After a goalless first-half, Ramiro Enrique scored his fourth goal in four MLS games, striking on 52 minutes with a deflected shot from Martín Ojeda. However, a defensive mistake allowed Hannes Wolf to equalise just five minutes later. Despite continued pressure from Orlando City SC, including saves from Matt Freese and a near winner from Wilder Cartagena, the game ended level. NYCFC’s physical play, resulting in 20 fouls and four yellow cards, brought the Lions’ four-game winning streak to an end but extended our unbeaten run to five matches.
What’s at stake this time?
Perennial slow starters in MLS, Orlando City SC will be eager to build momentum. A first away win would be a further confidence boost, and Oscar Pareja’s teams are known for their strength on the road. But Yankee Stadium remains a tough challenge, as it is for most visiting sides. Since 2015, the Lions have only won there twice, posting a 2-2-6 record on the tiny baseball field. Meanwhile, though it’s early days, Alex Freeman is making a strong case to start over Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. Not only making his first-ever MLS start against Toronto FC, Freeman capped it with his first MLS goal, earning him Heineken Star of the Match honours. His energy, pace, balance, and under/overlapping runs have really given Papi a positive selection headache at right back.
Opposition danger men
🇨🇷 Alonso Martínez (16 goals, 3 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇦🇹 Hannes Wolf (5 goals, 8 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇦🇷 Maxi Moralez (1 goal, 5 assists – 2024 MLS)
New opposition faces
🇳🇱 Pascal Jansen (head coach)
🇺🇸 Jacob Arroyave (New York City FC II)
🇺🇸 Prince Amponsah (New York City FC II)
🇹🇹 Greg Ranjitsingh (Toronto FC)
🇺🇸 Max Murray (2025 MLS SuperDraft)
🇺🇸 Nico Cavallo (2025 MLS SuperDraft)
Injuries
🇯🇲 Tayvon Gray (leg) – out
🇸🇱 Malachi Jones (leg) – out
🇺🇸 Andrés Perea (hip) – out
🇸🇮 David Brekalo (shoulder) – out
🇵🇪 Wilder Cartagena (right leg) – SEI
🇸🇪 Robin Jansson (thigh) – questionable
🇨🇱 Favian Loyola (thigh) – out
🇺🇸 Duncan McGuire (right shoulder) – out
🇨🇴 Nicolás Rodriguez (thigh) – out
🇯🇵 Yutaro Tsukada (knee) – SEI
*SEI – Season-Ending Injury List (Unavailable)
Suspensions
None
…
New York City FC vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- September 20, 2023: New York City FC 2 Orlando City SC 0 (MLS)
- June 28, 2024: New York City FC 4 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- July 20, 2024: Orlando City SC 1 New York City FC 1 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-1 the last time the sides met (July 2024)
- Played NYCFC 25 times in MLS – NYCFC 10, Draws 7, Orlando 8
- Orlando have only won TWICE at Yankee Stadium in MLS, going 2-2-6 since 2015
- Mounsef Bakrar has scored in 2 of the last 3 MLS head-to-heads (2 goals)
- Orlando are winless in their first away match of the last 5 MLS seasons, going 0-3-2
…
Watching the game
New York City FC vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, March 9.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC’s 2025 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
…
Support Orlando City UK
Passionate about what we do, Orlando City UK content will always be free. The most important thing for us is sharing our love of Orlando City SC with you all and donations are by no means expected. However, if you enjoy our content, a token towards the regular maintenance of Orlando City UK is hugely appreciated!
