NYCFC’s Dynamic Duo: Tyvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda

Tyvon Gray and Agustín Ojeda understand just how challenging their opponents can be during games.

This season, New York City FC’s defenders and wingers have evolved into two of the team’s most significant offensive assets, and interestingly, they owe some of that success to each other.

In training, they’ve frequently faced off, with Gray taking on the role of right-back and Ojeda primarily playing as a winger.

“I think he really pushes me during practice, and I push him too,” Gray reflected. “You could say I’ve picked up on his habits, and he definitely alters his strategy when going up against me. I mean, since we practice against each other daily, we have to adjust. I might want to go down the line, and he’ll be ready for it. So, it’s about changing tactics, which is beneficial for both of us. Knowing each other’s playstyle can give us an edge.”

As of 2026, their partnership seems to support that idea well.

Even though neither player scored in Saturday’s 3-1 victory against the Colorado Rapids, they left their mark on the match.

Ojeda had a chance in the 32nd minute but missed, shortly followed by Gray’s blocked shot inside the box.

In the first four matches of the season, Ojeda has netted a goal and provided an assist, including scoring in the win against Orlando City and contributing to Gray’s winning goal in Philadelphia.

The 21-year-old Argentine nearly scored against Philadelphia as well, switching sides and hitting the post with a shot.

Gray, recognized as one of the strongest defenders in MLS last year, has added some offensive flair to his game this season, often overlapping with Ojeda, who mainly plays on the right wing.

Through the first four matches this season, Gray has also achieved a goal and an assist, playing a vital role in NYCFC’s early successes.

A noteworthy moment came when Gray assisted Nicolas Fernandes-Merkau by drawing a penalty, leading to a penalty goal in their opening match.

According to Ojeda, their connection is built on mutual support. “I help him defensively, while he supports me offensively. I think we get each other pretty well,” he said. “Sure, there are occasional language barriers, but we’re learning more with each game.”

Both players are also starting to read each other better beyond words. Ojeda noted subtle cues from Gray, observing his gestures and expressions to anticipate plays. “I can sense when an opportunity to create overlaps arises,” he explained.

As they grew closer on and off the field, they also discovered shared interests, such as table tennis. Gray humorously deemed Ojeda as the best player on the team, joking about their matches. “I hardly play against him anymore—it just doesn’t go well for me!”

Saturday evening saw NYCFC’s offense thrive for the second consecutive match. Fernández-Mercau starred, scoring twice, once after capitalizing on a poor clearance and again from his own rebound in the 22nd minute. A free kick just outside the penalty area extended the lead to 2-0 in the 45th minute, and Thales Magno added a third goal in the 85th minute, following a pass from Maxi Morales. Colorado managed to score just once, in first-half stoppage time.