Huntsville City FC Goals: Ka 45+2', Jones 90+3'
New York City FC Goals: Lacher 15'
Quick Read
NYCFC II fell 2-1 to Huntsville City FC in Alabama on Sunday. Máximo Carrizo set up Julien Lacher for a composed opener, but the hosts equalized through Alioune Ka in first-half stoppage time. Despite resolute defending and late chances from a series of corners, NYCFC II were undone in added time as Isiah Jones netted the winner to secure victory for Huntsville.
Match Recap
New York City FC II were on the road this weekend as they faced Huntsville City FC in Alabama on Sunday.
After a 3-3 draw last time out, Matt Pilkington’s side were determined to collect all three points. The Head Coach made several changes to the lineup that faced Chicago, including the return of Piero Elias in midfield.
The hosts created the early openings, breaking forward with intent, though none of their chances tested goalkeeper Mac Learned.
At the other end, Drew Baiera cut inside and slipped a pass into Julien Lacher, but the forward was crowded out before he could shoot.
Moments later, NYCFC II struck first when Máximo Carrizo played Lacher through, and the forward weaved inside two defenders before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Huntsville pushed for a quick response through Jordan Knight, whose driving run ended with a shot that failed to trouble Learned.
They went closer in the 28th minute after a swift transition forced Jonny Lopez to defend a 2v1 situation. The defender stood tall, producing an excellent block to deny Real Gill.
NYCFC II responded with a chance of their own as Leo Guarino worked space inside the area, but his low strike was blocked.
As halftime neared, Damian Barker John was denied by a sensational reaction save from Learned. However, Huntsville equalized in stoppage time through Alioune Ka, ensuring the teams went in level at the break.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, beginning brightly as they looked to make home advantage count.
Pilkington responded in the 67th minute by introducing Prince Amponsah for the impressive Lopez. NYCFC II defended resolutely, with Chris Tiao producing a vital clearance off the goal line to keep the scores level.
Further changes followed in the 82nd minute as Uriel Zeitz replaced Guarino and Lucas De Pinho came on for Lacher.
Elias was also withdrawn for James Bilden in the closing stages. NYCFC II then threatened from a flurry of late corners, but Collin McCamy headed narrowly wide.
In stoppage time, the visitors were dealt a cruel blow as Isiah Jones—brother of NYCFC forward Malachi—struck the decisive goal to seal a 2-1 win for Huntsville.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC II is a meeting with Columbus Crew II on Friday, August 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
