History for RJ?

If he plays on Saturday, D RJ Allen will become the first player to play on both sides of the 2015 Expansion Rivalry. Allen made his first series appearance on May 29, 2016, when he assisted in a 2-2 draw at Yankee Stadium. Allen then played 77 minutes in the inaugural match at Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017, and 53 minutes in NYCFC’s 3-0 win on May 21. Allen appeared in both of City’s first 2 games.

However, Allen is not the first player to play for both 2015 expansion rivals. GK Josh Saunders made 66 appearances for NYCFC from 2015 to 2016 before joining the Lions in 2017. Saunders was the backup goalkeeper on 25 18-man gameday rosters but never appeared in MLS for City, instead starting City’s lone U.S. Open Cup match.