Sports stats



MLS NEXT Pro New York City FC II

NYCFC II Falls to Huntsville City FC

July 31, 2023 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New York City FC II News Release


New York City Football Club II suffered a narrow loss against Huntsville City FC on Sunday evening. The game's only goal arrived in the fourth minute and came thanks to a strike from Azaad Liadi. The Boys in Blue were reduced to ten men in the second half when Nico Benalcazar collected a second yellow card. NYCFC II fought valiantly to try and find a route back into the game, but those efforts proved unsuccessful.

Match Recap

NYCFC II hosted Hunstville on Sunday night in Queens knowing a victory would pull them away from their opponents in the standings.

Matthew Pilkington was keen to see his side get back to winning ways following defeat to Crown Legacy FC last time out.

The Head Coach handed a start in midfield to Jonathan Shore, while Nico Benalcazar slotted into a defensive midfield role, and Nico Hope-Gund started in goal.

Hunstville snatched an early advantage in just the fourth minute when Azaad Liadi timed a run in behind the defence before rounding the goalkeeper to slot home.

The visitors came close to adding a second moments later when Isaiah Johnston produced a shot from outside the box, but his effort was off target.

Despite controlling possession, NYCFC were unable to convert that into clear-cut chances. That changed in the 24th minute when Matt Myers fired off a shot inside the penalty area, but his effort was saved.

Huntsville were keen to secure a second before the half-time whistle, and they came close in the 36th minute when Kemy Amiche hit the post with an effort from a distance.

NYCFC II would finish the half the stronger of the two teams, with John Denis testing the goalkeeper in the 40th minute.

The start of the second half brought about one change for the hosts as Pilkington introduced Jack Beer in place of Shore.

Huntsville would record the first chance of the half after a fast break afforded Johnston an opportunity inside the area, but he failed to keep his attempt on target.

The game was then turned on its head in the 55th minute after Benalcazar collected his second bookable offense and was dismissed. Pilkington would turn to his bench for the second time eight minutes later as he introduced Stevo Bednardsky in place of Samuel Owusu.

Huntsville were now able to make the most of the man advantage and that saw them produce several opportunities to double their advantage, but for some inspired shot-stopping from Hope-Gund in goal.

As the clock ticked toward the final ten minutes of regulation time NYCFC II rallied and were able to produce chances of their own, with Jack Beer taking two shots inside two minutes that only narrowly went wide.

In the 87th minute, Jonny Lopez entered the game in place of Jonathan Jiménez. That would be the final act of note in the game and confirm a 1-0 loss for NYCFC II.

What's Next

Next up for NYCFC II is a home game against Philadelphia Union II on Friday, August 4, 2023.

Watch live on AppleTV and follow our official @NYCFCII Twitter page for updates.

Sign-up for MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app - and never miss a moment of the 2023 season. Stream every regular-season, playoff, and Leagues Cup match. Every Screen. No Blackouts.

Check out the New York City FC II Statistics



MLS NEXT Pro Stories from July 31, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central