NYCFC snaps lengthy winless streak with away win over Real Salt Lake

New York City FC snapped its long-lasting seven-game winless streak in MLS play on Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.

Agustín Ojeda was the star of the night, assisting on each goal. The first was a set-play routine finished beautifully by Nico Fernández Mercau in the 41st minute, then the second came in the 62nd with Luighi scoring in a second straight game to seal the result.

NYCFC got its first-ever win in Sandy, Utah, and just their third overall win against RSL.

With the much-needed three points, New York City moves up to seventh place in the Eastern Conference, two points above the playoff qualification line and Red Bull New York in 10th place, setting the stage for a huge Hudson River Derby next Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

Fernández Mercau keeps rolling

It was a sloppy start for NYCFC, with Real Salt Lake's press forcing Matt Freese into four saves in the first 30 minutes — Freese went on to finish the match with six saves en route to his fifth clean sheet of the season.

With New York looking flat, it required a moment of individual brilliance from its leading scorer to take the lead in the 41st minute.

On a set piece, Ojeda played it short to Fernández Mercau, whose left-footed outside-of-the-box strike nestled in the top left corner of the net for his 15th goal of the season — a free kick routine straight from the training ground.

NICO PERO QUÉ HAS HECHO?! 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/H1mTRdtlwk

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 13, 2026

With the goal, Fernández Mercau moved into third in the MLS Golden Boot race, tied with Nashville's Sam Surridge and only trailing FC Dallas striker Petar Musa (18) and Lionel Messi (19) of Inter Miami.

Luighi, again

With NYCFC struggling to see out leads in recent games, they needed a second goal to feel more at ease, which they got in the 62nd minute.

It started with a perfect long ball from Tayvon Gray that played Agustín Ojeda into space behind the RSL defense. Ojeda drove forward and played a pass into open space in the box, with Luighi connecting and converting for his fourth goal of the season and second goal in two games.

WATCH OUT FOR-A LUIGHI 🗣️🎮 pic.twitter.com/NxJ1c2GHgy

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 13, 2026

With Alonso Martínez still getting back to full fitness and Bénie Traoré struggling to make his mark since joining in July, Luighi has quickly made an impact and is making a case to NYCFC to make his loan signing permanent this winter.

While the headlines might focus on Fernández Mercau's stunning strike and Luighi continuing his goal-scoring form, Agustín Ojeda played a key role in both goals and is up to a career-high 13 goal contributions in league play this season.

The return of Alonso Martínez

For the first time in 309 days, Martínez returned to the pitch in an NYCFC kit after tearing his ACL while on international duty with Costa Rica last November.

Martínez came on in the 88th minute in place of Hannes Wolf, and although he didn't contribute anything, attempting one shot that didn't hit the target, it was special to see New York's leading scorer in 2024 and 2025 back after suffering a devastating injury nine months ago.

He’s back 🇨🇷

For the first time since November 13, 2025, Alonso Martínez returns to the pitch 💙 pic.twitter.com/ik78EI3q5p

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 13, 2026