New York City FC grab their first win of 2026 at Subaru Park against the Philadelphia Union late Sunday afternoon in a game that was decided deep into stoppage time. A header from Tayvon Gray, after the Union had suffered a red card after the 90th minute, not only decided the game but drastically shifted what was a lopsided second half.
City had issues controlling the game early in the first half but were able to stabilize themselves and create opportunities against veteran goalkeeper Andre Blake. Despite sustained pressure early in the game, NYC moved the ball well and were able to catch the Union defense on the back foot. That is how they opened the scoring in the 36th minute. A pass to Agustin Ojeda led to a shot that was parried away by Blake. German star Hannes Wolf was there for the rebound, sending head coach Pascal Jansen’s men into the break with the momentum and the lead.
The second half saw the field slanted toward City goalkeeper Matt Freese. The Union returned from the break with a desire to equalize and pushed the NYC defense to the brink. Balls were either saved by Freese or just missed the target. As the game wore on, it appeared that City’s efforts would pay off and three points were secured.
Things changed in the 88th minute when Cavan Sullivan drew a penalty for Philadelphia which was converted by Indiana Vassilev. The air of disappointment hung in the air for the visitors until stoppage time when Union defender Olwethu Makhanya earned his second yellow card and was sent off. NYC saw their opportunity and pushed heavily by bringing in Talles Magno.
The winning effort came just before the final whistle when Ojeda found the head of defender Tayvon Gray for his first goal of the season and the winner. NYCFC will take three points for the first time in 2026 and carry their road momentum into their first home game at Yankee Stadium next week.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC: Freese; Gray, Martins, Gustavo, O’Toole, O’Neill, Parks, Moralez (74′ Reid), Fernandez (90′ Magno), Wolf (83′ Baiera), Ojeda
Philadelphia Union: Blake; Westfield (59′ Bender), Larsen, Makhanya, Harriel, Anello (59′ Korzeniowski), Jacques, Lukic, Vassilev, Damiani, Iloski (83′ Sullivan)
SCORING SUMMARY:
36′ (NYCFC) Hannes Wolf (1) unassisted
89′ (Philadelphia) Indiana Vassilev (1) PK
90′ (NYCFC) Tayvon Gray (1) assisted by Agustin Ojeda & Talles Magno
DISCIPLINE:
20′ (NYCFC) Tayvon Gray – YELLOW CARD
23′ (Philadelphia Union) Olwethu Makhanya – YELLOW CARD
39′ (NYCFC) Aiden O’Neill – YELLOW CARD
90′ (Philadelphia Union) Olwethu Makhanya – RED CARD
90′ (Philadelphia Union) Japhet Sery Larsen – YELLOW CARD
photo from NYCFC