Summary:

NYCFC hosts Orlando City SC this Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
It's NYCFC's 11th home opener, marking the 10th anniversary of their inaugural match.
NYCFC has a strong home opener record but a less dominant head-to-head record against Orlando.
Key injuries affect NYCFC's defense, raising questions about the starting lineup.
Alonso Martínez aims to continue his impressive home scoring streak.

NYCFC Takes on Orlando City at Yankee Stadium!

This Saturday, March 8th, at 7:40 pm ET, New York City FC faces off against Orlando City SC in a highly anticipated match at Yankee Stadium. This marks the 11th home opener in NYCFC history, a significant milestone falling on the 10th anniversary of the club's inaugural match.

Game Day Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, March 8th, 7:40 pm ET
Venue: Yankee Soccer Stadium, Bronx, NY
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Listen: NYCFC Radio (English and Spanish)

Apple Broadcast Team NYCFC Radio Officiating Crew

NYCFC will sport their blue-and-white Excelsior Kit, while Orlando will wear their purple Perfect Storm Kits.

NYCFC's Home Opener History:

NYCFC boasts a historically strong record in home openers. Here's a look at their past performances:

<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Year</th> <th>Home</th> <th>Score</th> <th>Away</th> <th>Attendance</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>2024</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>1 - 2</td> <td>Portland Timbers</td> <td>24,774</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2023</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>1 - 0</td> <td>Inter Miami</td> <td>24,489</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2022</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>4 - 1</td> <td>CF Montréal</td> <td>21,113</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2021</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>5 - 0</td> <td>FC Cincinnati</td> <td>4,500</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2020</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>1 - 0</td> <td>Columbus Crew</td> <td>0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2019</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>0 - 0</td> <td>DC United</td> <td>24,361</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2018</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>2 - 1</td> <td>LA Galaxy</td> <td>26,221</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2017</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>4 - 0</td> <td>DC United</td> <td>24,259</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2016</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>2 - 2</td> <td>Toronto FC</td> <td>30,315</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2015</td> <td>NYCFC</td> <td>2 - 0</td> <td>New England</td> <td>43,507</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

NYCFC vs. Orlando Head-to-Head:

NYCFC holds a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head record against Orlando City, but Orlando has struggled in their last five matchups.

NYCFC Scouting Report:

Player Availability: Malachi Jones (broken leg), Tayvon Gray (leg), and Andrés Perea (hip) are out. Birk Risa's status is uncertain.
Defensive Concerns: Injuries and recent late-game goals conceded raise questions about the starting defense.
Alonso Martínez: Will look to continue his strong home scoring record from 2024.
Hannes Wolf: Needs to improve his performance after a quiet start to the season.