New York City FC are in the midst of a difficult push to make the MLS Cup Playoffs which will require the help of teams above them to drop points as only three games remain in the 2026 season. Still, there is significant progress being made in key areas, including with mercurial striker Alonso Martinez who scored for the first time since returning from knee surgery almost a year ago.
“That is the Alonso we are looking for,” said Jansen after the 2-2 draw against Orlando City. “That’s the Alonso we were hoping for. Now it’s very important to recover and hopefully be able to use him again midweek.”
That usage will be key because of the inability for several offensive players to fill the gap. Talles Magno missed a key penalty kick and other options like Malachi Jones and Nico Fernandez have not been able to fill in the gap while Martinez recovered. Now, with his second full start, the Costa Rican forward is approaching full form at a time when the team desperately needs his abilities.
What remains are three very winnable games for NYC. Atlanta, Montreal and DC all sit under the playoff line. It is a difficult situation as the club must also manage roster rotation as it is yet another week where there are three games in eight days. While this is a situation that all teams have faced, City have particularly found it difficult as they only have one win in their last 14 games.
photo by Jordan Bank