By Chris Tsakonas
New York City FC opened the 2026 season with a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park tonight. Nico Fernandez Mercau scored the first goal of the year for New York City in the draw.
Here are three observations from the season opener.
Slow start costs New York City early
It didn’t take long for the Galaxy to open the scoring. In the 2nd minute, a throw in from the right side was played from Joseph Paintsil to Marco Reus on the right side of the box. Reus cut it back for Joao Klauss, who beat Matt Freese to find the back of the net.
It was Klauss’ first goal with the Galaxy since being traded from St. Louis City SC in the offseason.
Slow first half in final third for New York City
After conceding the early goal, New York City struggled to threaten the Galaxy consistently in the final third for the rest of the first half. Despite holding almost 60 percent of the possession, New York City would create only three total shots – none of which were on target – for an expected goals total of 0.2.
While it was mostly a quiet first half, New York City’s best opportunity came in the 39th minute. After a good run of possession in the final third, the ball came to the feet of Fernandez Mercau in the middle – but his left-footed shot was denied by Emiro Garces.
“The first half was way too slow for our level,” Jansen said. “The intensity of the game was too slow, which kept the Galaxy in the game as well.”
Penalty flips the script
In the 59th minute, the match took a major turn after Emiro Garces brought down Nico Fernandez Mercau from behind in the box. After a brief VAR review, referee Victor Rivas awarded a penalty to New York City and issued a second yellow card for Garces.
Fernandez Mercau finished to his left to level the match at 1-1 in the 66th minute. With a man advantage the rest of the way, New York City dominated the run of play down the stretch with a 5-2 shooting advantage in the remainder of the match. It ultimately wasn’t enough to result in a second goal.
“I think the first opening game at home also gave [the Galaxy] a little extra energy to deal with all the pressure that we were trying to put on them,” Jansen said. “Eventually the quality and the final third from us today was not good enough in order to get that second goal – or even the set pieces were not good enough yet to get that second goal – and that’s why there was a draw.”
Next Up
New York City will head back on the road next Sunday to take on the Philadelphia Union, defending Supporters’ Shield champions. Live radio commentary with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will get underway at 4:15 p.m. at newyorkcityfc.com/radio.
