New York City FC had a though start to the 2026 MLS season, traveling all the way to LA to play the Galaxy but managed to pull out a draw. An early goal from Joao Klauss set the team behind but head coach Pascal Jansen made the adjustments in the second half for a split of points.
“I saw a lot of positives, especially in the second half,” said Jansen after the game. “The first half was way too slow for our level. The intensity of the game was too slow which kept the Galaxy in the game. They lose a man in the second half and have to work even harder but the way we played and the intensity we showed in the second half is way closer to what we want to play.”
One of the biggest questions from the game was who would start in the striker position. A carousel of players attempted to win that position, including a returning Talles Magno. However, it was Nico Fernandez who got the call to replace the injured Alonso Martinez. While Fernandez did convert in the second half for the equalizer, it was tough for the club to generate the chances many fans were used to seeing last season.
Players like Keaton Parks and Talles Magno came on in the second half to give the club a boost, especially as they played for nearly a half hour with an extra man. The Galaxy remained compact, making it difficult for City to find the game-winning effort.
“Part of the conversation so far has been the quality that we have to deliver in the final third,” said Jansen when asked about improvements for next week. “That was a big test case for us in the second half. We didn’t get it today but we keep working on this aspect in order to get it better in the next game.”
That next game will be another trip on the road, this time to play Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. The team will have put quite a bit of miles on them before that game as rough weather has made a return to the northeast that much more difficult. Still, it is a test worth taking as the club and coach understand the rigors of MLS regular season.
photo from NYCFC