Showing a great heart and fighting spirit the guys at New York City FC II (7-5-1) got themselves back into the match and made things close, but ultimately fell to Columbus Crew 2 (8-4-2) in MLS NEXT Pro action on Sunday at Belson Stadium.
With both teams playing a fast-paced style of soccer, it was the Crew that got themselves the early scoring chances when at the 6′ when Jake Morris attempted a left footed shot that was saved by NYCFC II keeper Alexander Yagudayev.
Then at the 8′ Yagudayev was tested again on an attempt by Crew Forward Noah Fuson, it was the play of Fuson that got the visiting side their first scoring opportunity on a penalty that was cashed in at the 11′. It was at that time that Noah converted on a right footed shot to the bottom left corner to make the score 1-0.
NYCFC II fans are encouraged to check out the following photo gallery from the match. Photos by: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
NYCFC II Head Coach Matt Pilkington shares these thoughts from after the match:
Fuson continued to press the offensive gas around the 16′ when he converted a right footed shot to the center of the net that doubled the Columbus lead.
NYCFC II kept themselves in the match though and started to turn the tide towards their favor. Their first attempt came at the 23′ when Ronald Arévalo attempted a left footed shot that went left of the cage.
With time ticking off and the match getting closer to the half the Boys in Blue kept trying to cut into that lead at the 44′ when an attempt by Jonathan Jiménez went left of the cage.
Just prior to the teams heading into their lockers Myers made a sprint down the field and converted at the 45′ finding the bottom left corner for the first goal of the night. That goal was assisted by Jiménez.
After the half both teams continued their fan friendly style of play, as Columbus continued to have the possession of the ball in trying to keep their lead.
It wasn’t until around the 68′ that Myers got his second goal of the night, finding the bottom right corner on an assist by Tyler Morck.
NYCFC II started to gain more possessions and made more attempts at getting themselves a lead as Jiménez and Myers both had quality chances.
At the end of the night it was the Crew and their ability to read what was happening on the field that got them the victory, as some brilliant passing to Gibran Rayo got the game-winning goal at the 82′ for the eventual 3-2 lead.
The Boys in Blue now have two losses in their last two matches, with the last time the squad has lost at Belson Stadium was on April 30 against Crown Legacy FC that was a 4-1 decision.
Thus far for the month of June, NYCFC II has won two matches that included a thriller against Huntsville 4-3 on June 4. Then after that the team won the Hudson River Derby against the New York Red Bulls 2 by a final of 3-1 on June 12.
Up next for the squad is going to be a tough road test against Atlanta United 2 on June 25, as these two teams are going to play at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The kick-off between these two teams is set for 7:30 p.m.
For more information on New York City FC II fans are encouraged to check out the link seen here: