Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York City FC

Orlando City’s next matchday has come a day early this week, as the Lions have an oddly placed Friday tilt up in the Bronx against New York City FC.

A date with NYCFC means that I caught up with Matthew Mangam, a senior writer over at Hudson River Blue. As usual, he was very helpful in getting us up to speed on how things have been faring for the Pigeons. I also answered some of his questions about Orlando City, which you can find over at their place.

Talk me through NYCFC’s off-season transfer business. Who were some notable names who left, and who has been brought in to replace them?

Matthew Mangam: NYCFC’s departures in the off-season were nothing notable. All three main departures — Braian Cufré, Richy Ledezma, and Alfredo Morales — did not contribute much to the team at all. Morales was the only player who was a part of NYCFC’s 2021 MLS Cup win. Gabe Segal also left as well, a striker who wasn’t given much of a chance at all but did score when called upon. Hannes Wolf was brought in as a winger, and has found his form after a poor start to the season. Agustín Ojeda is another example of this, a young winger who is getting better and better with time. Andrés Perea’s loan from Philadelphia was made permanent after an outstanding end to the 2023 campaign. Kevin O’Toole, a draft pick from 2022, took the job as the starting left back to take the spot from Cufré.

Of those signings, who has most impressed you so far? Who should Orlando City fans have an eye on during this match?

MM: Wolf has impressed me the most. In May, he had two goals and two assists in three games during NYCFC’s five-game winning streak. Wolf has started 17 of 19 matches but had a poor start to the season. There was tons of hype about him due to Wolf previously playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Despite that, I think Orlando fans should have an eye on Malachi Jones. The eighth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft was not expected to be a key part of the team this season. He’s fast, dangerous, and creative. He’ll give the Orlando back line trouble and always brings a spark off the bench. 

After winning five of six matches during May, NYCFC has had a tougher time in June, dropping all three games it’s played. What does the team need to do in order to get back to winning ways?

MM: The team just needs its offensive spark back. NYCFC played Columbus close but lost on a controversial penalty call. The defeats to the LA Galaxy and Nashville were disappointing, with the team lacking that crucial touch in the final third. Mounsef Bakrar did not look good in either game, and I think Alonso Martínez starting up top would benefit the team greatly. Get Martínez as the striker, and as long as the wingers can do their thing, NYCFC will score goals.

Will any players be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, call-ups etc.? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

MM: NYCFC has no players injured or on international duty.

Matt Freese; Kevin O’Toole, Birk Risa, Thiago Martins, Tayvon Gray; James Sands, Keaton Parks; Malachi Jones, Santi Rodriguez, Hannes Wolf; Alonso Martinez.

With that being said, NYCFC will tie with Orlando 2-2, I believe.

Thank you to Matthew for the update on NYCFC. Vamos Orlando!