With New York City FC facing an uphill climb to progress to the next round of Leagues Cup following Tuesday's loss to Club Puebla, the starters returned to the fold and the Pigeons dispatched Club León 2-0 Friday night.
In front of an announced crowd of 12,149 at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Head Coach Pascal Jansen opted to field a more experienced lineup than the side that shipped three goals vs Liga MX strugglers Puebla on Tuesday, with Alonso Martínez, Maxi Moralez, and Andres Perea returning to the Starting XI.
This decision paid off as Alonso Martínez stole the show with a goal and an assist, while winger Agustín Ojeda bagged his first goal for NYCFC in over a year. Matt Fresse chipped in with a trademark penalty save against León star James Rodríguez, paving the way for a comfortable rebound win for the Pigeons.
Matthew Mangam
New York City: 3.1 xG, 9 shots, 8 shots on target, 46.8% possession, 399 passes, 82.7% pass accuracy, 18 fouls, 6 corners, 4 saves
Club León: 1.3 xG, 9 shots, 4 shots on target, 53.2% possession, 458 passes, 83.2% pass accuracy, 19 fouls, 8 corners, 6 saves
Goals:
• New York City, Alonso Martínez, 7'
• New York City, Agustín Ojeda, 32'
Attendance: 12,149
Alonso Martínez takeover
It's no secret that Alonso Martínez has a knack for scoring goals. The Costa Rican international leads New York City FC with 15 combined goals and assists in 2025, adding to his tally with a goal and an assist in Friday night's win.
Alonso Martínez opens the scoring for New York City from close range. Cred: New York City FC
