New York City FC will begin their second MLS season in Chicago on Sunday, March 6. The teams are meeting for the third time in their histories; the first two were a loss and a draw for New York City FC. Chicago is winless in its last six MLS season openers (4L 2D). The Fire’s last opening day win came against FC Dallas on the road in 2009 (3-1).
Captain David Villa will be looking for a goal in Chicago. Villa recorded 18 goals in his first MLS season (4th in MLS), but Chicago was one of only three Eastern Conference teams that he did not score against (Columbus, Red Bulls).