Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York City FC

Orlando City got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Matchday 2, but the Lions have a tough test to overcome if they want to make it two wins on the bounce. That’s because OCSC’s next match comes against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium — a venue that has mostly proved to be a positively tortuous place for Orlando to visit over the years.

Regardless, a match against NYCFC means I caught up with Matthew Mangam, one of the senior writers over at the fantastic Hudson River Blue. As always, Matthew was very helpful in getting us caught up on what we should expect from this year’s NYCFC team. I also answered some of his questions about Orlando City, so be sure to check those out over at their place!

Pascal Jansen is at the reins for NYCFC this year. How does he set his team up and how does he want to play?

Matthew Mangam: Pascal Jansen wants NYCFC to have a bulletproof mindset this season. So far, it’s been tough to exactly figure out what style of play Jansen wants from NYCFC, but we’ve seen glimpses. He leans on developing young players, which is something NYCFC has a ton of. NYCFC still has played its well-known pass-heavy type of game, but the offense has lacked through the first two games, especially against LAFC. 

NYCFC got handed a brutal start to the season with two away games against Miami and LAFC and came away with a point. Going beyond the raw results, how has the team looked so far?

MM: As I mentioned above, the LAFC loss was a tough one to swallow. Leading Inter Miami 2-1 before conceding late in stoppage time stung even more. Both results left a lot to be desired, but one point after the first two games actually is a good outcome for NYCFC. The defense looked much better against LAFC, but interestingly enough, the offense looked much worse in that game too. This team needs signings — there’s a Santi Rodríguez-shaped hole in NYCFC’s offense.

Take me through some of the team’s off-season transfer business. Are you satisfied with what was done, or would you like to see more moves made before the window closes?

MM: The off-season moves were very limited. Besides signing some Homegrowns and draft players to the first team, NYCFC didn’t bring in anyone notable. Maxi Moralez is back for likely his last season of his career, but you can’t pin it all on a 38-year-old. Like I said above, this team desperately needs another No. 10 to help Moralez out. Some depth at left back, center back, and in the midfield wouldn’t hurt either.

Will any players be unavailable due to injury, suspension, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

MM: Tayvon Gray departed the LAFC game after eight minutes due to pain in his leg. Malachi Jones is still recovering from his season-ending injury last year. Besides that, I expect everyone to be healthy.

4-2-3-1: Matt Freese; Kevin O’Toole, Birk Risa, Thiago Martins, Mitja Ilenič; Justin Haak, Keaton Parks; Agustín Ojeda, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf; Alonso Martínez.

It’s tough to predict, but I feel NYCFC will win 3-1 and restore its dominance in home openers. 

Many thanks to Matthew for the inside scoop on this year’s NYCFC squad. Vamos Orlando!