The \u201cboys in blue\u201d returned to Yankee Stadium to play the home opener game on March 7. New York City FC are already in a good run with a win and a draw, not too far from the New York Red Bulls holding first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before the start of the match, supporters displayed<\/a> a tifo with Bad Bunny holding a soccer ball with a Puerto Rico flag on it, as well as a pin on the suit stating \u201cICE OUT.\u201d There was a message displayed, \u201cVAMOS NUEVAYOL! LOS MIO EN EL BRONX.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n This leaves a message to people in the stadium and for viewers at home that this club is for the people.\u00a0<\/p>\n Missing from this starting lineup is Alonso Mart\u00ednez, the star striker for NYC FC. He suffered an ACL<\/a> injury in November 2025 during the World Cup qualifier for Costa Rica. The club stated that Alonso most likely will not be back at least until summer 2026. This begs the question: how will the team function without a proper striker?<\/p>\n Not too far into the match, Orlando City SC goalkeeper Maxime Cr\u00e9peau was sent off for a mistake made outside the box. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper grabbed the ball outside the box to prevent the counterattack of NYC FC.\u00a0<\/p>\n He claimed he was inside the box, but the officials on the field denied the claim and issued a red card instantly. This left the team with 10 players, requiring an early substitution to replace the goalkeeper.<\/p>\n Not so long after, NYC FC\u2019s Maximiliano \u201cMaxi\u201d Moralez assisted Agust\u00edn Ojeda to make the score 1-0 at the 21st minute. Supporters screamed in excitement, hoping to continue this game with a lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n Near the end of the first half, Moralez had a key eye for the ball as he spotted Nicolas Fernandez and crossed the ball nicely. This left Fernandez to head the ball into the back of the net, making the score 2-0 at the 42nd minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shortly after the goal, a penalty was awarded to NYC FC during extra time. Moralez stepped in to take the shot and scored. This was his third goal contribution for this match as he already had two assists, leaving halftime with a 3-0 lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n As the game resumed, NYC FC showed no mercy as they continued their spree with goals from midfielder Keaton Parks during the 49th minute and 54th minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n This made the score 5-0 as fans chanted, \u201cWe want six, we want six,\u201d all around the stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n The stadium also welcomed back Talles Magno after a long loan spell. Many fans were excited to see him back in the blue kit. The boys in blue ended the match with a 5-0<\/a> win, claiming first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n