In the first of two games in Florida, Domènec Torrent named a strong starting XI with Jesus Medina, Maxi Moralez, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Jonathan Lewis in the most advanced positions. New captain Alex Ring anchored the midfield alongside the returning Ebenezer Ofori ahead of a Sean Johnson, Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot and Joe Scally back five.
City’s hunt for an equalizer was dealt a late blow when Jonathan Lewis was shown a second yellow card, reducing NYCFC to ten for the final 15’.