And we’re back! New York City FC vs. Orlando City SC (5pm ET, ESPN)

And here we are. A sold-out crowd at will ring in the opening of Orlando City Stadium this afternoon. The visitors helping to make it happen look a lot like the same ones that welcomed the Lions to MLS this time two years ago. But really, New York City FC is an utterly different team.

This time, Jason Kreis is on the opposite sideline. This time, David Villa and Tommy McNamara are the only NYCFC players remaining from that opening day roster in 2015. But one thing does remain the same: there’s nothing quite like the start of a new year.

Because everyone’s undefeated.

STUFF YOU SHOULD READ

HRB’s Minister of Opposition Research, Jake Gofman, has two new items this weekend to help get you set for this afternoon’s kickoff:

• A full Orlando City SC scouting report, plus some bold predictions
• Q&A with Michael Citro of The Mane Land, SB Nation’s OCSC blog
• If you missed any features, analysis, videos, and general hype from our big 2017 Season Preview, it’s not too late...

PROJECTED STARTING XI

GK: Sean Johnson

DEF: LB Ronald Matarrita, CB Maxime Chanot, CB Alexander Callens, RB R.J. Allen

MID: CM Alex Ring, CM Andrea Pirlo, CAM Maxi Moralez

FWD: LW Rodney Wallace, CF David Villa, RW Jack Harrison

‘CAUSE I’M (QUITE REALLY) HAPPYYYYYYY...

DID YOU KNOW?

NYCFC has never won a road game against Orlando City.

#NEVERFORGET

More of this, please:

Mmmmm. Chips.

ONE LAST THING

On behalf of the whole team here at Hudson River Blue, we thank each and every one of you for being our lifeblood. For cheering us on. For dropping us a friendly note when you saw a typo. For the #bantz. We only exist because of you. It’s the very least we can do try to provide something a little different; something you can’t quite get anywhere else. So, support the boys, drink a cold local beverage, and stay safe today.

Thanks again, and #ComeOnNewYork!