NYCFC vs LAFC preview: Seeking the first MLS win over the Black and Gold | OneFootball

New York City FC started the weekend with some great news: Alonso Martínez has a new contract with the club.  The forward will be with the team through at least 2027.  He is loved by the fans and scores goals, which is exactly what one expects from a striker.

However, that happiness could be short-lived.  NYCFC continues their 2025 start to the Major League Soccer season on the road, and they will have to face another powerhouse team.  The Pigeons will play against Los Angeles FC, who is expected to have another good season.  The Black and Gold currently have the advantage over the Boys in Blue, for they have beaten the Bronx side once while the teams tied twice in MLS.

As such, NYCFC will try to get their first regular season win against LAFC.  The road woes will be on the minds of players and fans alike, for games away from home tend to be difficult.  2024 was a little better since they won four matches on the road compared to 2023’s one.  Plus, they almost won last week if not for Inter Miami CF’s late goal.

Nevertheless, LAFC is a tough team to beat.  Here is a preview of the upcoming match between NYCFC and the California side.

NYCFC vs LAFC preview

Date

NYCFC and LAFC will play each other on Saturday, March 1.

Time

The game is at 10:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will occur at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the battle on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

It will be a chilly California night when the match begins.  It will be about 58 degrees and mostly cloudy.  There is a slight chance of rain, but there is never more than a 10% chance.  It will be extremely humid though, for the humidity levels will be about 77%.

Injury report

It is mostly a clean bill of health for the Pigeons.  Only Malachi Jones (leg) is out for the California fixture.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Martínez again this weekend.  Between his goal against Miami and his contract extension, the Costa Rican should feel like he is at the top of the world.  So, will he keep the good times going and score again?  Moreover, will he play well regardless of how the overall team plays?  These will be things to watch.

Fans should also watch LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.  The forward is always a huge threat, regardless of where he starts in the attack.  He is normally a winger, and subsequently is dangerous when running up the pitch.  He had 20 goals in each of the last two regular seasons, so the Pigeons should focus on him if he starts.

The Boys in Blue might have shared the points with Miami last week, but it is difficult to see them taking home any points in LA.  Therefore, the prediction is that NYCFC will lose 2-1.  The team will play better, but LAFC will do well defensively to limit their chances.