New York City FC are in the midst of a playoff push as the club currently sits in ninth place and could fall out of contention should they lose to Chicago Fire on Saturday afternoon. Much has been made about the team’s inability to score goals at key moments, most recently drawing with Atlanta United and losing to arch rivals Red Bull New York before the international break. One option to get the offense going is a returning Alonso Martinez, the player who led the club in goal-scoring last season before suffering a major knee injury.
“Alonso is at healthy player at the moment,” said head coach Pascal Jansen when asked about his slow integration back into the starting line-up. “He’s a good player but he hasn’t played as much. Experimenting with what we’re trying to bring into the team is something we can afford. However, we do need the qualities and personality that a guy like Alonso can bring onto the pitch.”
Early in the 2026 season City relied heavily on the goal-scoring of Nico Fernandez. The Argentine attacking midfielder has scored 15 goals in MLS but has only two in his last 10 appearances. That drop-off in production has put NYC in a difficult situation as the likes of Malachi Jones, Talles Magno and Hannes Wolf haven’t been able to cover for that lack of output. The possibly career-ending injury to Maxi Moralez also doesn’t help the situation.
Martinez, before his injury during last season’s MLS Cup Playoffs was what kept the club afloat in the Eastern Conference. The Costa Rican winger, turned striker, scored 16 goals in 2024 and 17 in 2025. This season he’s only made two appearances, totaling just 30 minutes.
“Being with the group over the last month or two has helped me,” said Martinez about his progress. “I feel great in practice, improving every day and I feel I’m right where I need to be.”
It is unclear of Martinez will start this afternoon at Soldier Field. However, the likelihood of him getting more significant minutes should be expected. The club needs to win in order to keep FC Cincinnati at bay, who stand tied on points with NYC. A loss or draw could see them fall as far as 11th place should DC United also win over the weekend.
photo by Jordan Bank