New York City FC 2025 schedule, players and season preview

It’s been a few years since New York City FC lifted their first MLS Cup - but make no mistake, the hunger hasn’t gone anywhere.

This isn’t the same team that celebrated in 2021. It’s younger. A little rougher around the edges. But in 2025, NYCFC is laying bricks - building a team, a culture, and a home that can compete at the top again.

🏙️ A team in transition - but not in retreat

The 2025 season started with questions. Who’s the go-to striker? Can this midfield boss games like it used to? Can this squad find its edge again?

And while they’re still answering some of those questions, one thing’s clear: this team fights hard, plays with heart, and is tough to beat - especially at home.

📊 Current record (May snapshot)

Wins: 3
Draws: 3
Losses: 2
Goals scored: 10
Goals conceded: 9

Not flashy, not dominant - but quietly grinding out results. That’s the NYC way.

🔥 Who’s stepping up?

🧠 Santiago Rodríguez

Rodríguez is the glue. Whether he’s tucking into the half-space or pressing high up the pitch, he sets the tempo. Leads by example, never stops running.

🔒 James Sands

Back in the midfield where he belongs, Sands is doing all the dirty work - winning duels, making tackles, and cleaning up loose balls.

🌟 Julian Fernandez

Still just 20, Fernandez has that spark. He’s not scared to take on defenders and is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his creativity and hustle.

“We’re not trying to be pretty. We’re trying to win - and we’re building something here,” said head coach Nick Cushing after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Orlando.

📅 Can’t-miss matches this season

Mark these fixtures, because they’ll shape NYCFC’s campaign:

May 11: At New York Red Bulls - The Hudson River Derby never disappoints.
July 13: Hosting Atlanta United - Big crowd. Big stakes. Big vibes.
October 18: Decision Day vs. Columbus - Could be the decider for a playoff spot or home-field advantage.

🗓️ Download NYCFC’s full 2025 match schedule in ICS, PDF, or CSV format.

🏟️ Bronx-bound and proud

Until the new stadium in Queens is ready, Yankee Stadium remains home. And if you’ve ever watched NYCFC play there, you know the atmosphere’s special - tight dimensions, packed stands, chants echoing off the walls.

It’s not conventional. But it’s ours. And NYCFC fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

🧭 Where this season’s heading

This isn’t a “win MLS Cup or bust” season. It’s about finding the core, building rhythm, and punching above expectations. And if they can stay healthy, tighten the backline, and turn a few draws into wins? This team’s a legit playoff threat.

The talent’s there. The mentality’s there. And with NYC grit baked into every performance, there’s real belief brewing in the Bronx.

🗣️ Final word

This is the long game for NYCFC. And this year? It’s about rediscovering that relentless, high-pressure, attack-minded identity that made this club champions not long ago.

So whether you’re in the bleachers in the Bronx or watching from a bar in Queens, this season is about more than results - it’s about resilience, pride, and progress.

Follow the journey, get your match downloads, and never miss a kickoff at YourSportsCalendar.com.

City ’til we die.