By Noah Zimmerman
17-year-old Jonny Shore got his first start for New York City FC’s senior team against Orlando City SC on Saturday.
The former academy standout made his senior debut two weeks prior in NYC’s season opener in Miami. Shore came on as a substitute at the half in what would be a 2-2 draw to last year’s Supporter’s Shield winners. He was kept on the bench in their Week 2 loss to LAFC.
25,846 fans braved the chilly Bronx night and were rewarded with an emphatic victory in New York’s home opener. In their first of two matchups against their fellow 2015 expansion team.
The New York City native was tremendous in his first appearance in front of the home crowd. Shore played the full 90 minutes as a central midfielder. He completed 78% of his passes and made some strong defensive plays, especially vital after NYC were sent down to 10 men in the 86th minute.
The Boys in Blue held on to a 2-1 lead for their first win of the season. It’s also new manager Pascal Jansen’s first career MLS win.
New York City FC are back in action at Yankee Stadium this Saturday at 7:30 against New England.
