ORLANDO, FL – July 16, 2025 — In a dramatic showdown delayed by Florida storms, New York City FC pulled off a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Orlando City SC at Inter&Co Stadium — thanks to a late own goal and a stoppage-time strike by Alonso Martínez.
Orlando struck first in the 36th minute through Robin Jansson, who powered home a header off a corner kick, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead and early momentum in front of their home crowd.
The match remained tense well into the second half, with both sides trading blows but unable to convert — until the 87th minute, when disaster struck for the hosts. Defender Kyle Smith, attempting to cut out a dangerous ball in the box, accidentally deflected it into his own net, gifting NYCFC the equalizer in heartbreaking fashion.
Smelling blood, New York pushed forward. Then came the knockout punch.
In the 90+1st minute, Alonso Martínez, just moments after entering the match, found space behind the backline and delivered a clinical finish past Pedro Gallese. The bench erupted. Orlando stood stunned. NYCFC had stolen all three points in the dying seconds.
“This group has heart,” Martínez said post-match. “We fight to the final whistle. That’s what tonight was about.”
With the win, NYCFC overtakes Orlando in the Eastern Conference standings and continues its hot summer surge.
