New York City FC continued their impressive start to the 2026 MLS season on Saturday night, defeating the Colorado Rapids 3-1 at Yankee Stadium behind a brilliant brace from Nicolás Fernández Mercau and a late strike from Talles Magno.
The victory pushed NYCFC to a 3-0-1 record through their first four matches, matching the best start in club history, previously achieved in 2018. Pascal Jansen’s side also remained one of the few unbeaten teams in MLS, maintaining momentum early in the campaign while climbing back toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
New York entered the match brimming with confidence following a dominant 5-0 home-opening victory over Orlando City SC, and Jansen opted to keep the same starting lineup. The Boys in Blue started aggressively, applying a high press that disrupted Colorado’s attempts to build from the back.
Although the Rapids created the first dangerous moment of the night, it was NYCFC who struck first in the 22nd minute. After pressure forced a turnover in the attacking half, the ball fell to Fernández Mercau inside the penalty area. His initial effort was saved, but the Argentine midfielder reacted quickly to collect the rebound and fire home, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Chances were limited for much of the first half as both teams battled for control, but the match sprang to life just before halftime. Fernández Mercau doubled New York’s advantage in the 45th minute with a moment of brilliance, curling a direct free kick into the near post. The strike marked his fourth goal of the season and made him just the second player in club history to score four times in the team’s opening four matches, joining former striker Valentín Castellanos.
Colorado responded moments later, however. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Rafael Navarro slipped a pass to Darren Yapi, who turned sharply in the box and fired past Matt Freese to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into the break.
The Rapids pushed forward early in the second half searching for an equalizer, but NYCFC’s defense remained organized while the home side continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Jansen made a key substitution midway through the second half, introducing Talles Magno as he continues to build fitness after returning to the club. The Brazilian forward would eventually put the result beyond doubt.
With just minutes remaining, Maxi Moralez threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Magno’s path. The forward calmly finished into the bottom corner in the 86th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory and sending the Yankee Stadium crowd home happy.
Fernández Mercau’s standout performance highlighted an attacking unit that has quickly found rhythm early in the season. Meanwhile, Moralez continued to defy age, recording another assist and bringing his total to three helpers and a goal across the first four matches of the campaign.
NYCFC has now scored eight goals in their last two matches, underscoring the team’s attacking efficiency during this early-season run.
Speaking after the match, Moralez praised the team’s strong start but emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the long MLS season.
“We’re happy with the start, but the season is long,” Moralez said. “We have to take it game by game and try to finish as high as possible in the standings.”
With 10 points from a possible 12, New York City FC’s strong opening stretch suggests Jansen’s squad may once again be a major contender in the Eastern Conference.
