NYC FC Celebrates 10 Years: Match Highlights and Player Milestones

Bronx, NY– The city boys are celebrating their tenth anniversary in Major League Soccer (MLS) Andrea Pirlo, RJ Allen, Kwadwo Poku, and Tony Rocha are all in the house to celebrate the moment.

After a quiet first half of play from both clubs, New York City Football Club struck first, getting the opening goal in the 59′ when Maxi Moralez hit the far post. The rebound found Julian Fernandez (1), who blasted it home from 1 yard out for the 1-0 lead with just over thirty minutes remaining in the match.

Orlando would even the score ten minutes later when Luis Muriel (1) broke into the box near side and slotted one home just inside the far post past Matt Freese.

Then in the 71′ New York would regain the lead when Julian Fernandez chipped a ball onto the head of Hannes Wolff (1) who headed home the go-ahead goal.

Johnny Shore had himself a great day on the backline for the city boys, limiting looks for Orlando and stepping up huge when his team needed it the most going down to 10 men late in the match, up just a goal.

“He’s an interesting character. I met him for the first time when I started coaching here, and he was one of the youngsters who was with us during the preseason camp. Let me make one thing really clear, the fact that he started today, and played against Inter Miami is something he earned by competing with the guys during training sessions. I think he’s a very clever kid and very smart on the ball. He sees a lot of situations, he’s aware of his surroundings in midfield, and he’s skillful in short passes, making sure he keeps a good rhythm and control in the middle of the pitch. Those are a few aspects I look for in the way I want my team to play. Seeing him out there today, as if he’s been with one of the guys for the past four seasons, was great to see. There’s still a lot to improve, not just for Jonny [Shore], but for the rest of the team.” — Pascal Jansen NY City FC Head Coach

Kevin O’Toole was shown two yellow cards in close succession of each other (77′ & 86′) resulting in a red card and the boys of New York City would have to figure it out for the remainder of the match, with a minimum of five additional minutes shown by the fourth official shortly after the send-off.

New York would hold on to take the home opener over Orlando 2-1 playing with just 10 men.

New York City FC will return to action on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 PM to take on the New England Revolution.

Player Milestones

• Midfielder Jonathan Shore earned his first-ever MLS Regular Season start tonight, while also marking his home debut for New York City FC.
  • Shore is a 2023 MLS NEXT Pro All-Star, having played 38 matches for New York City II in MLS NEXT Pro across all competitions.  
• Defender Thiago Martins made his first start of the 2025 campaign. 
• Forward Julián Fernández made his first start of the 2025 Regular Season. Fernández also provided his first assist of the season.
  • The last time Fernández provided an assist was on April 27, 2024, against Charlotte FC. 
  • His assist brings his total to four goal contributions in the MLS Regular Season starts. In four starts, he has recorded one goal and three assists. 
• Forward Alonso Martínez scored his second goal of the season, previously having scored against Inter Miami CF on Matchday 1.  
• Midfielder Hannes Wolf scored his first goal of the season.

“I watched [Justin Haak and Keaton Parks] growing up, so it’s really cool to play with them, and they always help me, keep pushing me, and always give me advice. [Me and Keaton] built a pretty good relationship over preseason; he’s really helpful. Obviously, he has a lot of experience, so I think it helps a lot playing with someone like him.” — Johnny Shore, Defender NY City FC