Breaking down the May 2025 schedule for NYCFC | OneFootball

New York City FC might have won their first match away from home when Alonso Martínez converted a penalty kick to beat Toronto FC 1-0, but that does not mean things are great again. While the three points were vital, there is no question that concerns remain about the Pigeons' attack.

To put it in perspective, since NYCFC's 10th anniversary celebration games, NYCFC is 2-3-1, with both wins being lucky 1-0 results. Otherwise, the team has struggled to find the back of the net, excluding the disastrous Atlanta United FC loss. The other five matches saw the Bronx team score one or no goals. Therefore, concerns are valid as May begins, for eight games are on the schedule, with the possibility of nine being played.

The lack of depth and the inability to trust the wingers could continue to hurt the offense. At the very least, the majority of the matches will be at home. Let's take a look at the busy May schedule.

NYCFC's May 2025 schedule

Sunday, May 4: NYCFC vs FC Cincinnati

NYCFC must begin May with one of the toughest games on the schedule. They will welcome FC Cincinnati on Star Wars Day. The Ohio side is 7-2-1 and is in first place in the Eastern Conference. They have most of the same team as last season, with the biggest changes being Luciano Acosta's departure and the addition of Evander. More than likely, NYCFC will lose at home if they continue to struggle offensively.

Wednesday: May 7: NYCFC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

The Boys in Blue are back in the U.S. Open Cup and will face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC from the USL Championship. The team is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, right in the middle of the table. It is unknown what this game will be like since this is the first meeting between the sides. One would expect the Pigeons to win since they are in Major League Soccer, but anything can happen in the Cup.

Saturday, May 10: NYCFC vs CF Montréal

Fans know CF Montréal all too well. The Canadian team's win ultimately led NYCFC to a sixth-place finish rather than fourth on Decision Day last year. Therefore, the Queens side will seek revenge and try to restart another unbeaten streak, for they went seven games unbeaten against Montréal before that loss. Plus, as of May 1, the visitors have not won a game in MLS. Realistically, anything less than a win is unacceptable.

Wednesday, May 14: NYCFC at D.C. United

The first MLS road game of May will be against D.C. United. NYCFC leads the series 12-7-4 but they are 2-2-1 over the last five fixtures. Regardless, the team from the District has not made the playoffs since 2019 and continues to struggle this season with a 2-5-3 record. They might have one of the best forwards in MLS, but not even Christian Benteke can single-handedly save the team. As such, this might be a possible road win if the visitors are clicking offensively.

Saturday, May 17: NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls

The biggest game of May is, without a doubt, the first Hudson River Derby of the year. NYCFC swept the regular season matches in 2024, especially the incredible 5-1 win at Sports Illustrated Stadium, formerly known as Red Bull Arena. But RBNY got their revenge in the postseason, knocking the Pigeons out of the playoffs. If the teams continue to be close in the standings, as they are separated by one point, then fans can assume this will be a hard-fought battle that will lead to an entertaining game.

Tuesday, May 20 or Wednesday, May 21: Possible U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 game

If the Pigeons win their first U.S. Open Cup match, then they will play the Round of 16 fixture on May 20 or 21.

Sunday, May 25: NYCFC vs Chicago Fire FC

The last time NYCFC lost to Chicago Fire FC was in 2021. Hence, the Pigeons would like to keep that streak going. The teams tied both matches last year and are right now only separated by two points. Things can change by the time they meet, but the Bronx side must try to stop Hugo Cuypers from finding the back of the net. The striker has been fantastic for the Fire since joining last season. If the home team can do that, then they will be one step closer to beating Chicago.

Wednesday, May 28: NYCFC vs Houston Dynamo FC

In 2025, NYCFC has lost all of their Western Conference matchups thus far, losing to Los Angeles FC and Minnesota United FC. Their next game from the west will be against Houston Dynamo FC. On paper, this should result in a win, especially because the team is playing at home. Houston sits in 13th place. Although, their two wins are against talented LAFC and Austin FC teams. The Boys in Blue must be careful and cannot overlook their opponent.

Saturday, May 31: NYCFC at Nashville SC

By the last day of May, NYCFC will probably be yearning for June, for they will not play again until June 12. Before they have a little break, they will head out on the road to face Nashville SC. Similar to the Bronx side at this time, they are in the middle of the table. The Music City team has some impressive wins this season, including a 7-2 thrashing against Chicago. NYCFC cannot play this match lazily and make mistakes, because otherwise, the players will head into the break with a loss on their minds.