
Nicolás Fernández Mercau
CF (CM)
Playmaking Forward
Jan 11, 2000 (26)
Left
5'8"
157 lb
Back from suspension
Fernandez has served his one match suspension and will be an option for the trip to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday.
Analysis: Fernandez is set to rejoin the starting XI after missing the Union match due to suspension. He had scored in four straight games before the ban and remains among the league's top scorers, with 13 goals in 18 matches.
Serving suspension
Fernandez is banned for Sunday's MLS matchup versus Philadelphia Union, according to the league.
Analysis: Fernandez has served as a key element in his team's midfield given his offensive impact and set-piece responsibilities, and his suspension removes those skills from a squad that has been short of forward depth throughout the season. He'll be ineligible to face the Union and could see action again in a midweek challenge versus Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Andres Perea will likely operate in the No. 10 role.
Nets PK vs Toronto
Fernandez scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Friday's 1-1 draw against Toronto FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 18th minute.
Analysis: Fernandez scored his 13th goal of the season Friday, converting a penalty to secure a draw for his side. He has found the net in four consecutive matches, establishing himself as one of MLS's most in form and effective strikers. On top of that, he has not gone more than three games without scoring all season, always making him a threat for opposing team's defenses.
Nets third goal in three games
Fernandez scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-1 victory versus Chicago Fire. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Analysis: Fernandez stays red-hot, scoring for the third straight MLS match to bring his season total to 12 goals, the second-highest mark in the league. His strike on Saturday further highlighted his scoring efficiency, as he is averaging just under a goal per game. The forward has also been a consistent threat in attack, putting 27 shots on target across 17 appearances.
Scores penalty Wednesday
Fernandez scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Fernandez and his side made the return to MLS play Wednesday after nearly two months off for the World Cup. It did not take long for Fernandez to make an impact as he converted a penalty in the 28th minute, his 14th goal contribution through 16 matches this season. He has now scored or assisted in five consecutive matches. Fernandez also made his impact felt off the ball as he won 10 duels and four tackles in his 90 minutes of action.
Scores from the spot in loss
Fernandez took five shots (three on target), sent in four crosses, took two corners, and scored a penalty kick in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Nashville SC. He also committed four fouls and suffered one foul.
Analysis: Fernandez has been on a tear leading up to the World Cup break, notching two goals and four assists over the last four games. He has 10 goals and 4 assists through 15 games, and he's been NYCFC's primary attacker while they deal with injuries to key players. He'll return to action after the World Cup in a road tilt at Columbus on Wednesday, July 22.
Assists Saturday
Fernandez assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Fernandez is on the scoresheet for a third straight game in a row, assisting the lone goal for NYCFC on Saturday. He's recorded four goals and three assists in the last seven league appearances, recording nine shots on target with 39 crosses and creating 11 chances in that span.
Back on scoring terms
Fernandez scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Charlotte FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 29th minute.
Analysis: Fernandez is back to scoring for his first since April 22, having scored the lone goal for the team Wednesday. He's scored four goals and two assists in the last six appearances, collecting 12 shots while sending 34 crosses in that span.
Brace of assists
Fernandez assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-0 victory versus Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Fernandez assisted two of Hannes Wolf's goals Sunday for his first two of the season. He now has 10 goal contributions in 12 matches played, recording 21 shots on target with 52 crosses and we tackles made.
Makes six crosses
Fernandez generated one shot (one on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus CF Montreal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81st minute.
Analysis: Fernandez only recorded one shot on target, however did make six crosses to come up empty Saturday. He is still a big boost in the attack regardless, recording eight goals in just 10 MLS appearances, already surpassing his 2025 total in six games less.
Saves team from shutout
Fernandez scored one goal to go with three shots (three on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Charlotte FC.
Analysis: Fernandez knocked in a goal in injury time to prevent the shutout on Saturday, however still picked up the loss to Charlotte. This was his first goal of April and first since Mar 22. He still remains a dangerous threat despite the small slump, already at six goals theough eight MLS appearances, surpassing his 2025 total in just eight matches less.
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