NYCFC news roundup: Nicolás Fernández Mercau, food at Etihad Park, and more | OneFootball

New York City FC started the 2026 season off well, drawing with the LA Galaxy before winning their next three games. Going unbeaten to start the year was not expected, so it was a delightful surprise. Then, losing to Inter Miami CF was not shocking based on the previous couple of meetings. But only earning one point against St. Louis City SC was not acceptable. Now, fans have to worry about the possibility of going on a winless streak, especially since they play Vancouver Whitecaps FC next.

Rather than focusing on the game at this time, there were some announcements made over the last week or so. Therefore, here is the next NYCFC news roundup.

NYCFC's March Player of the Month

Last Monday, NYCFC announced that Nicolás Fernández Mercau was the Player of the Month for March. The attacking midfielder earned the honors after he started the season with five goals in five games, scoring in four of the five.

His excellent play has been critical for the Pigeons in their start. Whether he can continue this top form in April is yet to be seen. He was solid against St. Louis, but was stopped from finding the back of the net. More than likely, he will need to score against Vancouver if his club wants to steal a win on the road.

Paze City Square at Etihad Park

As fans know, NYCFC will have local food stalls at Paze City Square in the Five Boroughs Food Hall at Etihad Park. With a little over a year away from moving into the stadium, the club announced that local food vendors and businesses can apply to be one of the rotating vendors at the food hall. The team is continuing to commit to the city through this.

Per NYCFC, "the program is designed to provide local independent restaurants and food entrepreneurs with an opportunity to integrate their brands into New York City’s newest sports and entertainment destination, while elevating visibility, promoting their offerings, and supporting their growth."

Additionally, "independent restaurants, neighborhood favorites, and emerging food concepts from across the five boroughs" should apply. They can do so by the end of July 1, and 10 will be selected for the food stalls.

Drew Baiera will miss some time with NYCFC

During the international break, right-back Drew Baiera was playing with the U-19 United States men's national team when he suffered a knee injury. Pascal Jansen revealed the player will be out for a while, and when he will return is questionable.

This means that NYCFC will be without a true right-back backup player for Tayvon Gray. So, other defenders will need to step in when needed. In addition, the team should be able to call up some of the NYCFC II players on loan who could act as that depth piece.