New York City 1, Orlando City 1- as it happened

FT: NYCFC draw 1-1 with Orlando in a match that will be forgotten by most onlookers.

City came out of the gate completely puzzled on defense, and were burned for it on a few occasions. They were lucky to escape the first half with just a one goal deficit. The second half yielded some better movement in the attacking third and a tying goal, but nothing spectacular and definitely far from the best we’ve seen.

City might regret not collecting all three points in this one because, as we all know, points on the road don’t come easy. And NYCFC is currently staring at a 40-day road trip.

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76’: Alexandru Mitrita is subbed on for Ismael Tajouri-Shradi.

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69’: All I can say is this: thank God it was Dwyer on the end of that one and not Nani.

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66’: City seem to have finally found a groove. It looked dire early on, but they’ve attacked well thus far in the second half.

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51’: GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!! Héber taps in the rebound off of Maxi Moralez’s shot off the post!

It was a brilliant attack from NYCFC, something we haven’t seen thus far in this game.

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Second half has begun. I don’t expect NYCFC to do much here because they’ve done nothing to show me they can. I hope I’m wrong. I really do.

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HT: NYCFC trail 1-0 to Orlando as the first half comes to a close.

City have been completely lethargic when defending against the counter-attack and have been burned almost every time it seems in transition. It’s also worth pointing out that this game is proof positive that Ben Sweat is completely out of his element in this style . He’s not fast or dynamic enough to provide consistent service from the left wing.

Some major changes must be made.

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36’: Isi almost equalizes, but his shot is just wide.

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33’: Another defensive error leads to another Orlando goal. Inexcusable mistake from Callens on that one. 2-0 Orlando.

Nevermind! No goal after Drew Fischer consults with VAR

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26’: Two close chances for both sides!

Héber heads the ball towards the upper 90, but is denied by the keeper. Moments later, Nani flirts with a brace but Chanot is there to clear it off the line.

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18’: Nani scores to give Orlando a 1-0 after some terrible defending from City. Despite their controlling possession, NYCFC has looked suspect in transition and finally got burned.

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10’: Early on, City control possession but are far from in control.

It’s been a bit sloppy. And if not for some heroics from James Sands, it’s possible Orlando would be up 1-0 in this one. It hasn’t been awful per se, but some changes are needed.

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We’re off in the Bronx! City in the blue, Orlando in the purple. Can NYCFC collect their third consecutive win and finally put the criticism to rest?

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Rosters are out! Contrary to our expectations, there is little in the way of rotation except Ismael Tajouri-Shradi replacing Taty Castellanos and Ben Sweat stepping in for the injured Ronald Matarrita.

On paper, it’s a good lineup. Let’s just hope the Boys aren’t running on fumes.

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Rosters

New York City Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Maxime Chanot (D)
• International Duty: None
• Injury Report: OUT: Ronald Matarrita (D) - calf; QUESTIONABLE: Alexandru Mitrita (F) - ankle

Orlando City Starting XI:

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None
• Injury Report: QUESTIONABLE: Alex De John (D) - hamstring strain, Carlos Ascues (D) - hamstring injury

Referees: Drew Fischer (referee); Logan Brown, Claudiu Badea (assistant referees); Mark Allatin (4th official); Edvin Jurisevic (VAR)

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How To Watch

Match date & time: April 27, 2019, 1:00 pm.

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, NY

Online streaming: Fox Sports GO

TV: YES

Local radio: WNYE 91.5 FM — English, ESPN Deportes AM1050 — Spanish

All-time series: Looking for their third straight win — all of which would have come within a one-week span — New York City FC takes to the Etihad Pitch in the Bronx to do battle with fellow 2015 expansion side Orlando City early this afternoon.

City’s task of playing three games in one week is sure to result in at least some rotation for this game in all likelihood. Therefore, this game should be the ultimate test as to whether or not Domé Torrent is capable of leading this team to further success in the future, and if he has the depth to do it.

All-time, NYCFC and Orlando are dead even: 5 wins, 5 defeats, and 3 draws. These two clubs always play close, intense games. Expect the same today.

This post will update with highlights and information as we receive it.