It's officially the 2026 Major League Soccer season, but the Opening Day Blues continued for New York City FC. The Pigeons' front-line failed to get out of first gear after getting pegged back early by LA Galaxy, yet salvaged a point thanks to a Nico Fernández Mercau penalty at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.
The hosts took the lead in the opening minutes and seemed ready to take control of the game. New York City recovered and dominated possession, but it was the LA Galaxy who brought their shooting boots to this sunny Sunday afternoon game, peppering Matt Freese's goal early and often. The shot-stopper ended the night with five saves.
New York City, by contrast, looked unable to finish. They were desperately missing the presence of Alonso Martínez spearheading the attack. However, a calmly taken second-half penalty from Nico ensured a draw for New York City.
It wasn't all doom and gloom, but the Pigeons could have gotten 2026 off to a stronger start: Here are four thoughts from New York City's 1-1 opening night draw vs LA Galaxy.
Hudson River Blue Staff
1. An early "Welcome to 2026" from LA
It took barely 90 seconds for LA Galaxy's newest Designated Player, Brazilian striker João Klauss, to open his account for the record six-time MLS Cup champions, killing any opening day optimism held by New York City fans.
João Klauss opens the scoring on his debut for LA | LA Galaxy and Apple TV
Signed by LA after Riqui Puig was added to the season-ending injury list, Klauss was a menace in front of the goal for the past three seasons in St. Louis. The Brazilian was brought in to lead the Galaxy's line and provide a target for Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil — and it only took 85 seconds for the connection between Reus and Klauss to bear fruit.
New York City went on to command the majority of the ball, and LA was more than happy to give the Pigeons possession. Pascal Jansen's side passed the ball well but failed to create any competitive chances or expose the Galaxy defense all night. Nico Fernández Mercau was left on an island, while the players around him were stuck on the tarmac at LAX.
Hudson River Blue Staff
2. The Pigeons need a striker
Nico was the hero tonight. His second-half penalty ensured that New York City picked up points in the season opener for just the second time in two years, and just the third time since 2019. That said, the Designated Player failed to do much else.
Nico Fernandez Mercau finds the bottom corer to open his 2026 account. Cred: New York City FC
Pascal Jansen opted for a front three of Nico flanked by Hannes Wolf and Agustín Ojeda, with Maxi Moralez occupying the No 10 role just a week ahead of his 39th birthday. The four created just four chances on the evening, firing off just five shots from open play — none of which hit the target. As a team, New York City failed to put a shot on target from open play all game, going 0-for-7 while squandering one key chance.
The New York City front office attempted to fill the hole left by Martinez going down with an injury, but saw their attempt to sign Malian striker Moussa Sylla from Schalke 04 fall through at the 11th hour. There was no contingency plan in place to pivot ahead of opening night, leaving the Pigeons to square off against the Galaxy woefully thin through the middle.
Andrew Leigh
3. The California sun undoes Freese
Despite conceding the opening goal within two minutes of kickoff, the New York City defense looked solid to open the 2026 season, even with a shaky early showing from Freese between the sticks.
Kai Trewin made his debut for the Pigeons in his first MLS appearance since signing from fellow City Football Group side Melbourne City FC in January. The versatile defender, who was signed to replace Justin Haak after he moved to the LA Galaxy, started in midfield alongside his Aussie international teammate Aiden O'Neill. In 88 minutes, Trewin completed 89% of his passes, and made three recoveries.
Thiago Martins and Raul Gustavo formed an all-Brazilian pairing at the center of defense, combining for seven clearances and nine recoveries. Neither defender lost a duel on the ground.
While the Brazilians in front of him looked composed and collected, Freese, by contrast, had to settle into the game. The USMNT No 1 was challenged early by LA, making multiple mistakes early in the first half before regaining his composure as the Galaxy took their foot off the gas. Apple TV announcer Taylor Twellman commented that Freese was bothered by the sun during the first half, when it shone directly into his eyes and the ball was coming out of the shadows.
Twellman was proven right when Freese put up a stinger performance in the second half from the other side of the field.
Matthew Mangam
4. A point is a point
One way to look at it: New York City FC failed to win on opening day for the eighth consecutive year. Another way: Even though the Pigeons once again dropped points to begin the season, a point is still a point earned —especially on the road against strong opposition like the heavily-reinforced LA Galaxy.
Besides, Talles Magno returned to the pitch for New York City for the first time in over 500 days, while Homegrown defender Drew Baiera made his MLS debut and his second career appearance for the Pigeons. Keaton Parks returned as well, providing a spark from midfield in the final 20 minutes, as he made his first MLS appearance since undergoing surgery for blood flow issues in his leg last year.
Sunday night wasn't exactly a strong performance from New York City, and you could feel the absence of Martínez up front. But Jansen's men showed grit and determination to grab a point in Cali.
And they looked good doing it, too — the blue, white, and orange All Nations Kit is an early contender to be considered one of the best NYCFC away kits of all time.
Oliver Strand
