3 things we learned from the season opener draw between NYCFC and the LA Galaxy

On Sunday night, or late Sunday afternoon in California, New York City FC opened up the 2026 Major League Soccer season against the LA Galaxy.  This was another year of opening up the season on the road, which meant another year of a challenging battle to open the season.  After 90 minutes plus stoppage time, the two teams ended the evening in a 1-1 draw.

The match did not start well at all.  NYCFC gave up the first goal in the second minute when the defense completely floundered any chance of preventing LA from going in front.  João Klauss scored to put his team in front, and it felt like it would be one of those days where the Pigeons could not find the back of the net.

Thankfully, a foul in the box led to a penalty kick and a second yellow card, giving the visitors a chance to score and then play up a man for about 25 minutes plus stoppage time.  Nicolás Fernández Mercau took the penalty kick and easily buried the ball into the goal to tie the match.  Alas, LA did enough to keep things at 1-1, and the Boys in Blue at least left with a point.

So, for the first time in 2026, here are three things we learned from the game between NYCFC and the LA Galaxy.

NYCFC needs a striker

It has been obvious since Alonso Martínez tore his ACL back in the fall that the Pigeons need another striker.  Specifically, NYCFC needs a reliable scoring striker who can start since Seymour Reid is not ready for that role yet.  There are talks about Talles Magno trying to play as a center-forward again, but the team should not even think about going down that road. 

There was a deal in place, but unfortunately, that did not come to fruition, leaving the Bronx side without the vital role entering the 2026 season.  The issue of not having such a player was seen in the preseason, and it was clear in the match against the Galaxy that this could be a major problem. 

Now, it is not the time to worry just yet.  Pascal Jansen might have an idea or two that he is working on that is reasonable.  And, as it has been mentioned multiple times over the years, NYCFC can have slow starts to a season.  Scoring droughts, even with a striker, have happened as well.  In other words, fans can look at the situation through those eyes.

Still, stats do not lie.  There was only one shot on target, and that was the penalty kick goal.  Then, of the ten shots, only one or two more actually had any indication of a threat. 

Hence, a striker is needed.  NYCFC must do everything they can to bring in someone quickly, even if the player is a temporary fix while the team looks for a more established scoring forward.  Oh, and per Taylor Twellman of Apple TV, maybe Jansen should give Hannes Wolf a look.  He mentioned it during the broadcast, and truthfully, it might not be a crazy idea.

There is no way Maxi Moralez is turning 39

NYCFC fans were extremely happy when Maxi Moralez signed a new contract for the 2026 season.  The long-term player is already a legend for the club, and it is a difficult task to find a supporter who does not like him.

Like last season, there is the question of how many games the Argentine can start and whether he can continue to contribute at a high level. Well, he truly did in 2025 after starting every MLS game.  And now in 2026, he has already started his first one and played the entire fixture.

He did not have any shots, but Moralez was clearly meaningful in the midfield, playing everywhere on the pitch, and not just playing in the attacking midfield.  He tracked back toward the defense when needed, and still dictated the midfield like he always does.

What is insane is that Moralez is turning 39 this week and was running all over the pitch like he was turning 29.  The midfielder somehow continues to play at a high level, even though he is not the same player he was even a few years ago.  NYCFC is lucky to have him for another year, and at this rate, who knows whether he has another year or two in him.

NYCFC had some debuts and returnees

During the game against LA, NYCFC had a few players make debuts and some players who returned after time away. 

The newest player, Kai Trewin, made his official debut for the squad, pairing up with his fellow Aussie, Aiden O’Neill, in the defensive midfield.  He started and played the majority of the match, and impressed as he has in the preseason.  Additionally, Drew Baiera made his MLS debut as a sub, coming on for Tayvon Gray in the 80th minute.

Then, Keaton Parks returned to the pitch for the first time since June as a substitute.  The midfielder had another surgery to remove a blood clot, and this came after suffering a foot injury that kept him out for a few games.  Over the years, he has suffered from the issue of blood clots, so his third return from that was great to see.

Magno also came on as a substitute, returning after a year and a half away on loan.  His time back was brief, which makes sense since he missed some of the preseason due to a slight knock and fitness.  Hopefully, the Brazilian will see plenty of playing time and contribute to the attack.  Of course, just not as a striker. 

NYCFC is lucky to have Parks and Magno back, and then it is great that Trewin and Baiera made their debuts.  The depth of the squad is arguably slightly better compared to last season.