Matchday 3: Orlando City vs. NYCFC Game Preview

Orlando, FL – Kendrick Lamar would say, “They not like us” as Orlando City lands in the Big Apple after securing a dominating win over Drake’s hometown team Toronto FC 4-2. The Lions have a lot to be proud of heading into New York. A homegrown talent got his first start and goal while three additional OC players found the back of the net. Will Orlando have an empire state of mind heading into the match or struggle in the concrete jungle?

See you soon, NYC ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Gm36PmsJDL

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 7, 2025

One thing we know for sure is that Oscar Pareja will not be wearing his white t-shirt as the kickoff temperature is a chilly 37 degrees. Pack the white parka Pareja as Orlando is a very superstitious city. Frigid temperatures pose the biggest threat to Saturday’s match. Out of the first three matches, this might be the most impactful. If Orlando can execute its game plan given the mind-numbing climate it would set the pace moving forward.

The house that Ruth built will set the stage for New York FC’s home opener. While Etihad Park is under construction, New York FC will split games between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. The pigeons with no official place to call home enter the pitch with a 0-1-1 record. New York opened the season with a 2-2 draw versus Miami and are still hobbling after a 1-0 loss to LAFC. New York FC has traveled the most of all MLS teams during the first two matchups. Orlando will need to take advantage of New York’s jet lag.

The lucky number is six. Six goals have been scored by five different Orlando players to start the early campaign. Marco Pasalic (2), Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Martin Ojeda, Cesar Araujo and Alex Freeman have chipped in to lead the Lions to a 1-1 record. Great ball movement, contributions off the bench and a relentless attack allowed the purple and gold to prosper versus Toronto. Expect much of the same heading into the tundra. Marco Pasalic will need to set the pace early versus a very stingy, and often times emotional New York team. Twenty-three yellow cards were assessed to two players alone (James Sands-13 and Santiago Rodriguez-10) while five red cards were dulled out to New York collectively during the previous season.

🗣️ I WANT IT THAT WAY 🎶 pic.twitter.com/VOxg7d4pNy

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 6, 2025

Backstreets back and so are the Orlando City Lions. If Orlando is to “have it their way” not only will Pasalic have to set the tone early, but homegrown talent Alex Freeman will need to capitalize on his early season success and bring the electricity the team saw in the prior game. Corner kicks will need to be sharp by Martin Ojeda and every opportunity will need to be taken advantage of as goals will be hard to come by given the frosty temperatures.

Hopes are high and the Sunshine State is ready to turn up the Fahrenheit. Despite a 1-1 record, things are looking up for Orlando. The newest additions, Pasalic and Eduard Atuesta are playing well. Homegrown talent Alex Freeman looks to be the real deal and provided much-needed life following the loss to Philadelphia. We have also yet to see more playing time from Nico Rodriguez off the bench which will increase the team’s odds as the season progresses. Dale Carnegie once said, “Criticisms are like homing pigeons. They always return home.” Unfortunately, these pigeons have no official home until 2027. If there was a battle between a Lion and a pigeon, who would you choose? Vamos Orlando!