NYCFC's Gray and Ojeda Forming Potent Duo

Defenders push each other to new heights as they build chemistry on and off the pitch

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:50am

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Tayvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda, defenders for New York City FC, have quickly become the club's two biggest offensive weapons this season. The pair have pushed each other to their limits in practice, with Gray primarily playing as a right back and Ojeda on the wing, leading to a dynamic duo that is giving opposing teams fits. Despite the language barrier, the two have developed strong chemistry both on and off the pitch, with Ojeda even revealing that he's picked up on Gray's nonverbal cues to better understand how to support him.

Why it matters

NYCFC's success this season has been largely driven by the partnership between Gray and Ojeda, who have complemented each other's strengths to create a formidable attacking threat. Their ability to push each other in practice has translated to the field, where they have combined for multiple goals and assists already this year. As NYCFC looks to build on their strong start, the continued development of this duo will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Through the first four games of the 2026 season, Gray and Ojeda have each recorded a goal and an assist. In NYCFC's 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids, Ojeda had a scoring chance in the 32nd minute and set up Gray for a shot inside the box that was blocked. Ojeda has also found the back of the net in NYCFC's thrashing of Orlando City and helped set up Gray's game-winning goal in Philadelphia. Gray, who was one of the best defenders in MLS in 2025, has added an offensive element to his game this year, at times even ending up on the same side of the field as Ojeda.

  • NYCFC's first four matches of the 2026 season

The players

Tayvon Gray

A defender for New York City FC who has emerged as one of the club's top offensive weapons this season, adding a goal and an assist through the first four games.

Agustín Ojeda

A winger for New York City FC who has also been a key part of the club's potent attack, recording a goal and an assist in the first four matches of the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I think in training he's pushing me to my limits and I think I'm pushing him to his limits. If you really think about it, I kind of know his tendencies. So he tends to switch it up against me, because obviously, we play every day against each other, and I think vice versa. I think he knows I probably want to go down the line and cross, he'll probably block that off. I'll probably make him go left. Just switching up your game, I think that helps us. Obviously, knowing each other makes it quite a bit harder. So I think that it gives us a little edge against other teams.”

— Tayvon Gray, NYCFC Defender (New York Post)

“Me helping him defensively and him helping me in attack. I think we've understood each other very well. Even though sometimes the language can make things a little difficult, game by game we understand each other better and get to know each other more.”

— Agustín Ojeda, NYCFC Winger (New York Post)

“Sometimes he makes gestures with his hands or his face and I already understand what he means. I know maybe I need to attack the space or play more with him, create a two-against-one against the opposing defender. That's how we keep getting to know each other little by little.”

— Agustín Ojeda, NYCFC Winger (New York Post)

The takeaway

The partnership between Tayvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda has been a key factor in NYCFC's strong start to the 2026 season. Their ability to push each other in practice and develop chemistry both on and off the pitch has allowed them to become a dynamic duo that is giving opposing teams fits. As NYCFC looks to build on their early success, the continued growth of this partnership will be crucial to the team's long-term goals.