MLS is back and NYCFC have got a fresh new look for the 2017 Season.
Five new signings will make their first appearances for Patrick Vieira’s team at Orlando City in the opening game of the new campaign.
In goal, Sean Johnson has earned the starting spot following his move from Chicago Fire (via a trade with Atlanta), with Eirik Johansen named on the bench,
There’s one new face in defense too where Alexander Callens will partner up alongside Maxime Chanot in between Ronald Matarrita and RJ Allen.
Andrea Pirlo retains his spot in midfield but there are two new recruits alongside him in the shape of Finland international Alex Ring and new Designated Player, Maxi Moralez, who starts in behind the front man as the no.10.
Rodney Wallace makes his debut and completes an all-Costa Rican left flank on the opposite side to Jack Harrison who starts his Sophomore season on the right-wing.
Captaining this new-look NYCFC XI, last season’s MLS MVP David Villa starts out on his quest to better his tally of 22 Regular Season goals in 2016.
Speaking prematch, Vieira said: "I'm a little bit anxious, nervous because I want to see what we've been practicing for the last few weeks, to see if the players will understand and do what we've been working on. We may take a bit of time to find the best XI but that's the way it is - we have a good starting XI to try and get something from this game."
On Moralez starting, Patrick added: "He's somebody who loves to play for his teammates. He's a team player, very creative - he makes the assists and he opens the game. He can win fouls for us and we are really pleased to have him involved today."
On the bench, Yangel Herrera is joined by fellow new boy Ugo Okoli, alongside Johansen, Frederic Brillant, Ethan White and Khiry Shelton, as well as Tommy McNamara who will make his 50th appearance for NYCFC if he comes on.
Have your say on the NYCFC Starting XI on Twitter and find out how you can watch the game wherever you are in the world with our international TV listings here.
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Matarrita, Callens, Chanot, Allen, Moralez, Pirlo, Ring, Wallace, Villa (C), Harrison
NYCFC Subs: Johansen, Brillant, White, Herrera, McNamara, Shelton, Okoli
