New York City FC is ready to play on the emotion of their 10 -year anniversary match against Orlando City on Saturday.
NYCFC's first home game of the campaign reunes them with the opponents in their very first MLS match 10 years ago.
Both NYCFC and Orlando were new in the competition in 2015 and played a 1-1 draw in Florida.
Although the teams have changed since then, anticipating a “big night” this weekend.
“It will be a very big night,” said Stads coach Pascal Jansen. “I was told that it is the 10 -year anniversary, and the game was also against Orlando at the time, so there will be emotions. It's a big night.”
When De Maestro made his debut against the opponents of this weekend in 2015 pic.twitter.com/e34x0WZFHB
– New York City FC (@NewYorkCityFC) March 6, 2025
Jansen added: “The boys really want to prove themselves again. The fact that it will be Orlando also places many emotions there.
“One of my coaches, Mehdi [Ballouchy]Also played in that game, so he knows how that feels, and we are going to use that emotion to prepare ourselves to be ready for this game. “
NYCFC is still waiting for their first victory of the season after drawing with 10-man Inter Miami and lost scary to Los Angeles FC.
“We were close to achieving good results in the out games, but not good enough,” said Jansen. “So hopefully now, with the homecoming – the home opener at the fans there – we will do much better.
“I know the boys are looking forward to it, so all together I hope for a good match.”
Orlando lost their opening match 4-2 against the Philadelphia Union but then won the same score against Toronto FC.
Players to watch
New York City FC – Maxi Moralez
Moralez is now 38, but the diminutive -midfielder remains an important gear for NYCFC and has a history of the performance in this fixture.
He does indeed have more goals against Orlando than against any other MLS side, where he watches two spells with NYCFC five times in 13 games.
Orlando City – Cesar Araujo
ARAUJO is not known for his attacking contributions, but he has achieved a goal and an assist against Toronto, in one match that almost matches the three target involvement of last season.
Orlando will hope for more of the same against NYCFC, although ARAUJO will also be busy control Moralez.
Match -Forecast: NYCFC WIN
NYCFC may be without a profit, but that will cause little worries. This side is traditionally slow starting and is unable to win one of their opening of two games six times in the last seven seasons, now including four in a row.
City also has a strong record at home at Orlando, who wins six of their last seven of such meetings and the other signs.
In fact, since 2017, Orlando has not won at NYCFC. Moralez played in that game, with David Villa scored just a double for the visitors for the hosts and Cyle Larin.
Opta wins probability
New York City FC – 39.1%
Tick - 26.5%
Orlando City – 34.3%
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