NYCFC beats Westchester SC to secure their first U.S. Open Cup win since 2022 | OneFootball

On Tuesday, New York City FC was back in action in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in 2026.  The Boys in Blue faced a fellow New York team, Westchester SC, who plays in the USL League One.  On paper, the Bronx side was obviously favored to secure a win. And, they won 5-2, finally getting a positive result in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2022.

Pascal Jansen put out a heavily rotated squad, only starting three main starters: Tayvon Gray, Agustín Ojeda, and Kai Trewin.  Then, players like Jonathan Shore and Raul Gustavo could be starters, and they got the nod in the Open Cup match.  Talles Magno, who has been trying to get back to the player that he can be, also earned the start.

In other words, this was a strong Stating XI, and anything less than a win would have been unacceptable.

The match started a little slowly, with some poor passes by the Pigeons.  That could be blamed on some of these players barely playing with each other outside of training.  Still, Westchester SC was impressive in their play.

NYCFC books spot in the next round of the U.S. Open Cup

However, NYCFC got on the board first in the 13th minute.  Ojeda made a great run in the attacking half toward the box.  He was running in the center and had some defenders to deal with.  As such, he sent the ball to Seymour Reid, who was toward his right.

The young striker easily could have tried to score.  But with the focus on him, he sent the ball back to Ojeda.  With one touch, the winger picked the perfect spot and put the ball into the goal.

Still, Westchester competed with the Pigeons, and eventually, they tied the match in the 22nd minute.  The team had a corner kick, and Daniel Burko was in the right spot at the right time.  He made an awkward shot right in front of the goal, and Tomás Romero was left speechless.  More importantly, this was another goal given up by NYCFC via a set piece.  This has plagued them throughout the year.

Thankfully, a switch went off.  While Westchester was given opportunities throughout the game, the Bronx side finally showed up.  And it began with Magno taking the lead for the Boys in Blue.  The Brazilian was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty call by the referee. Just a few minutes after Westchester tied it, he put NYCFC ahead with a somewhat soft shot for a penalty kick.  Andrew Hammersley should have gotten the stop, but he failed to do so.

Then, in the 36th minute, Magno secured himself a first-half brace.  Ojeda, who had a brilliant game, found the Brazilian in the center of the box.  He had to maneuver himself, but turned to put the ball past a few defenders and Hammersley.

NYCFC was not done in the first half.  Arnau Farnós, who was on a short-term loan agreement from NYCFC II, scored his first goal for the first team after another incredible pass from Ojeda.  Magno allowed the ball to go beyond him and land at the feet of Farnós.  The forward took a few steps before he smashed the goal into the net.

Meanwhile, it was clear that the Pigeons were hungry for more.  They came out of the locker room, hitting the attacking pedal with full force.  Westchester, likely knowing it would take a miracle to tie the game again, did not go down quietly.

Instead, the home side was stronger defensively.  They forced NYCFC to work, but also limited their chances on goal.  The Boys in Blue still fought, though, and Magno earned his hat-trick in the 70th minute.  Gustavo had his shot saved, but maintained possession of the ball.  He found Gray, who picked out Magno on the other side of the box.  The right-back swept the ball to him, and he headed the ball into the top-right corner, curling the ball.

Westchester did score another goal on a counterattack in the 73rd minute.  Kyle Evans scored in a moment when the NYCFC backline should have been better.  But again, the home side was not going to just sit and accept their fate.

Alas, the Pigeons were strong enough to hold on and keep the lead, securing the win.  It was not a perfect performance, but fans will gladly be happy with the result.

Now, NYCFC must do something similar when they return to Major League Soccer play this weekend against Charlotte FC.  Sure, the team broke the three-game winless streak, but they have to end in the regular season as well.