New York City FC start the 2026 MLS season with a frustrating draw in Carson, California with a 1-1 draw on Sunday night. The game saw NYC control possession and the pace of the game but lacked the bite in the final third to find the goal needed to end the game.
The Galaxy, one of worst teams in MLS last season, started the game fast with a goal from Joao Klauss. Much like last season, City started slow and leaving Klauss open in front of goal. Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus found the the Brazilian international for the game’s opening goal. Early in the contest the sun played a factor, obscuring goalkeeper Matt Freese. While it served as a hinderance, the keeper and defense recovered to take control of the game.
While City was able to control the pace and possession, they weren’t able to generate chances in front of net as expected. Despite playing with a fluid offense, Hannes Wolf, Agustin Ojeda and Nico Fernandez were unable to generate legitimate opportunities in front of goal.
The club’s only goal came in the second half when defender Emiro Garces committed his second yellow card foul, this time in the box to award City a penalty opportunity. Fernandez stepped up to the spot to convert in the 66th minute, handing the club their first goal in 2026 and a share of the points at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The win is a positive for City as they showed their ability to control the game but did little to assure fans who still see the loss of Alonso Martinez as a major flaw in their offense. Still, the club was able to grind a result as they showed their composure during a tough road trip to start the season.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray (80′ Baiera), Raul, Martins, Trewin (88′ Shore), O’Toole, Fernandez, Moralez, O’Neill (74′ Parks), Wolf (88′ Magno), Ojeda
LA Galaxy: Micovic; Yamane, Glesnes, Garces, Aude (66′ Nelson), Haak, Reus (66′ Yoshida), Sanabria, Pec, Klauss (88′ Nascimento), Paintsil
GOAL SUMMARY:
2′ (LA Galaxy) Joao Klauss (1) assisted by Marco Reus and Joseph Paintsil
66′ (NYCFC) Nico Fernandez (1) – Penalty
DISCIPLINE:
36′ (LA Galaxy) Emiro Garces – YELLOW CARD
42′ (NYCFC) Tayvon Gray – YELLOW CARD
56′ (NYCFC) Kai Trewin – YELLOW CARD
59′ (LA Galaxy) Julian Aude – YELLOW CARD
65′ (LA Galaxy) Emiro Garces – RED CARD
photo by Jordan Bank