Evan Weston and Dax McCarty Lead Apple TV Coverage of Orlando City vs New York Red Bulls MLS Season Opener

Apple TV will provide coverage of the 2026 MLS season opener between Orlando City and New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium, with renowned commentator Evan Weston handling play-by-play duties alongside experienced analyst Dax McCarty. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, 21 February, with the broadcast available through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in both English and Spanish.

Evan Weston brings considerable expertise to the commentary box, having established himself as one of North America's leading soccer broadcasters. His pairing with Dax McCarty, a former MLS stalwart who spent the majority of his playing career with the New York Red Bulls, creates an engaging dynamic that combines technical broadcasting excellence with insider knowledge. McCarty, who played a pivotal role in the Red Bulls' midfield during his years in MLS, offers viewers tactical insight and perspective from someone who understands the pressures and dynamics of competition at this level.

This opening day clash represents a significant moment for both franchises as they begin their 2026 campaigns. New York bring fresh talent to their attacking arsenal, having signed new wingers Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell during the offseason, both of whom will make their debuts in this fixture. The Red Bulls have also benefited from Eric Choupo-Moting's prolific 2025 season, where the Cameroonian striker recorded 22 goal contributions, tied for the most at the club.

The head-to-head record between these sides favours New York, who hold an 11-9-5 advantage across all competitions in their 26 total meetings. Notably, the Red Bulls remain unbeaten in their last five matches against Orlando, including three results at Inter&Co Stadium. However, Orlando City will be motivated to overturn this trend on home soil, particularly with Martín Ojeda leading their attacking ambitions alongside newly signed centre-back Iago, who brings exceptional aerial ability from set pieces.

For viewers in the United States, Apple TV's MLS Season Pass continues to provide comprehensive coverage of league fixtures, with commentary available in both English and Spanish. Spanish-language viewers will hear play-by-play from Ramses Sandoval and commentary from Miguel Gallardo. Additionally, Red Bulls Radio offers English-language coverage via the Red Bull New York app and the club's official website for those preferring radio commentary.

Both teams enter this match at full strength in terms of their opening day squads, though Orlando City will be without defenders Joran Gerbet and Robin Jansson through injury, whilst New York miss midfielder AJ Marcucci. These absences could influence tactical approaches, with Orlando likely to adjust their defensive setup accordingly.

The fixture promises to be an engaging spectacle for soccer enthusiasts, combining the broadcasting expertise of Weston and McCarty with the competitive intrigue of two Eastern Conference clubs seeking strong starts to their campaigns. Apple TV's coverage ensures viewers receive professional-grade analysis throughout what should be a competitive and entertaining opening weekend clash.

Article generated: 22 February 2026, 00:25 GMT