Marco Reus Shines but LA Galaxy Fall to New York City FC in MLS Opener

German star's performance not enough as Galaxy draw 1-1 with NYCFC in season opener

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In the 2026 MLS season opener, the LA Galaxy hosted New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Jonathan Klauss (assisted by Marco Reus) for the Galaxy and Nico Fernandez (penalty) for NYCFC. Reus had a standout performance, but was substituted after teammate Carlos Garces was sent off with a red card, forcing the Galaxy to reinforce their defense. NYCFC's Nicolas Fernandez, Tayvon Gray, and Raul also had strong showings in the match.

Why it matters

This was the highly anticipated season opener for both clubs, setting the tone for their 2026 MLS campaigns. The draw leaves both teams looking to bounce back in their next matches, with the Galaxy facing Sporting San Miguelito in the Concacaf Champions Cup and NYCFC visiting the Philadelphia Union.

The details

The Galaxy took an early lead through Jonathan Klauss, who was assisted by German star Marco Reus. However, NYCFC equalized in the 66th minute via a penalty kick from Nico Fernandez. The match took a turn when Galaxy defender Carlos Garces was sent off with a red card, forcing manager Greg Vanney to substitute Reus to shore up the defense. Despite Reus' standout performance, the Galaxy were unable to find a winner, settling for a 1-1 draw in their season opener.

  • The match was played on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM PT, 7:00 PM ET.
  • Klauss scored the opening goal in the 2nd minute, assisted by Reus.
  • Fernandez equalized for NYCFC from the penalty spot in the 66th minute.
  • Garces was sent off with a red card, leading to Reus' substitution.
  • The Galaxy's next match is on Wednesday, February 25 against Sporting San Miguelito in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The players

Marco Reus

The German midfielder had a standout performance for the LA Galaxy, assisting the opening goal, but was substituted after his teammate's red card.

Nico Fernandez

The NYCFC midfielder scored the equalizing goal from the penalty spot in the 66th minute.

Carlos Garces

The LA Galaxy defender was sent off with a red card, leading to Reus' substitution and the Galaxy having to reinforce their defense.

Jonathan Klauss

The LA Galaxy forward scored the opening goal in the 2nd minute, assisted by Reus.

Tayvon Gray

The NYCFC defender had a strong showing in the match.

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What’s next

The LA Galaxy's next match will be against Sporting San Miguelito on Wednesday, February 25, in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 32. NYCFC will visit the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, March 1, in Matchday 2 of the MLS.

The takeaway

Despite Marco Reus' standout performance, the LA Galaxy were unable to secure a win in their season opener against New York City FC, drawing 1-1. Both teams will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches as they aim to make an early statement in the 2026 MLS season.