NYCFC Hosts Orlando City in Final Regular Season Home Opener Before Schedule Shift

Recent York City FC welcomes Orlando City SC to Yankee Stadium on Saturday, March 7, for what will be the final regular season home opener under the current MLS scheduling format. With Major League Soccer transitioning to a summer-spring schedule next year, this match holds added significance for the Pigeons and their fans.

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Time: 2:30 PM ET
• Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
• Where to Watch: Apple TV

Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for Saturday calls for cloudy skies and a temperature of around 45 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. While not ideal, conditions are expected to be warmer than recent winter weather, with only a 20% chance of rain. Orlando City SC

Injury Report

NYCFC will be without Malachi Jones (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), and Andrés Perea (leg) for the match against Orlando City. New York City FC

Players to Watch

• Aiden O’Neill (NYCFC): The midfielder has been a consistent presence in defensive midfield since joining the team and will be key to protecting the backline.
• Martín Ojeda (Orlando City SC): Ojeda was Orlando’s best player in the 2025 regular season, scoring 16 goals and providing 15 assists. He has already scored a goal this year and poses a significant threat. Orlando City SC

Recent Form

New York City FC recorded a 2-1 win against Orlando City SC in their 2025 Home Opener. Alonso Martínez and Hannes Wolf scored for NYCFC, while Luis Muriel scored for Orlando City. New York City FC

Historical Context

Orlando City and NYCFC first faced each other in 2015, playing to a 1-1 draw in both clubs’ first MLS match. The teams also met in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, with Orlando City winning in a penalty shootout. Orlando City SC

Looking Ahead

NYCFC will be looking to secure three points in their final regular season home opener before the schedule change. A win would set a positive tone for the remainder of the season and provide a boost for fans as the team transitions to playing in the summer months.