New York City FC returned to MLS regular season action in impressive fashion Wednesday night, defeating the Columbus Crew 2-1 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to earn the club’s first-ever regular season road victory in Columbus.
The result marked another milestone for Pascal Jansen’s side, who improved to 6-6-4 on the season and climbed into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings while continuing to build momentum during the second half of the campaign.
NYCFC broke the deadlock in the opening half when Nico Fernández Mercau calmly converted from the penalty spot. The Argentine has become one of Major League Soccer’s most dangerous attacking players this season, with the goal giving him 11 on the year—currently third-best in MLS. Three of New York City’s four successful penalty kicks this season have come off Fernández Mercau’s right foot, with the club maintaining a perfect four-for-four conversion rate from the spot.
After halftime, New York City doubled its advantage through Agustín Ojeda. The forward continued his productive run against Columbus, adding another goal contribution against a club he has consistently troubled throughout his MLS career.
Columbus pulled one back late after Daniel Gazdag converted a penalty of his own, setting up a nervy finish. Despite the late pressure, New York City’s defense remained organized to secure all three points and complete a significant road victory.
The match also featured several notable individual milestones.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese made his 100th career MLS appearance in his return to league action after representing the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Freese started all four World Cup matches for the USMNT, recording two clean sheets and helping the Americans advance to the Round of 16 before returning to anchor NYCFC between the posts.
The evening also marked the club debut of Designated Player Bénie Traoré, who earned his first start after signing with New York City FC on June 29. Midfielder James Sands also made his long-awaited return to MLS competition following his loan spell with FC St. Pauli, appearing in his first league match since October 2024.
Jonny Shore earned his first MLS start of the 2026 season, while Andrés Perea reached 80 appearances across all competitions for the club.
The victory further improved NYCFC’s all-time record against Columbus to 10 wins, 10 losses, and seven draws. Even more importantly, it erased one of the final road hurdles in the rivalry by delivering the franchise’s first regular season victory at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
New York City has now scored 27 goals while conceding 22 through 16 league matches, boasting an identical 3-3-2 record both at home and away.
With several key players returning from international duty and new additions beginning to integrate into the squad, NYCFC appears well-positioned for a strong push during the second half of the MLS season as they continue their pursuit of an Eastern Conference playoff berth.
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