Nicolás Fernández Mercau scored his 12th goal of the season Saturday, moving into a tie for second-most in Major League Soccer and helping lift New York City FC to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire at Yankee Stadium.
The goal, scored with a left-footed blast from outside the box that found the top left corner, brings Fernández Mercau into a tie with Inter Miami's Lionel Messi on the league's scoring list. It marked the second consecutive match in which Fernández Mercau has scored.
The victory extended New York City FC's winning streak to two consecutive regular-season matches, the first time the club has achieved this since March. The team is now closer to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Agustín Ojeda put NYCFC back in front in the 29th minute, scoring in his second consecutive match after Joel Waterman had equalized for the Fire eight minutes prior. Malachi Jones added NYCFC's third goal in the 41st minute, his first since May 11, 2024.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, a member of the U.S. men's national team, made his first appearance in New York since the end of the World Cup. Freese received a warm reception from the home crowd, in contrast to the boos he faced in a previous match, and made several key saves in the second half, including one in the 89th minute.
Despite reports earlier in the week suggesting Fernández Mercau is seeking a transfer, head coach Pascal Jansen declined to comment on the matter after the team's previous win against Columbus. Fernández Mercau's performance on Saturday comes as questions about his future with the club persist.