New York City FC II Goals:Â Sunjic 59'Â
CT United Goals:Â
Quick Read
NYCFC II secured an important 1-0 victory over CT United FC at Icahn Stadium on Sunday night. After a scoreless first half, Luka Sunjic broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, bundling home Jonny Lopez’s cross. Matt Pilkington’s side defended their advantage effectively to claim three points and strengthen their postseason hopes.
Match RecapÂ
New York City FC II were back at Icahn Stadium on Sunday night as they hosted CT United FC.
Head Coach Matt Pilkington was keen to keep the good form going as his side came into the game fresh off an emphatic 4-2 Hudson River Derby victory over the Red Bulls earlier in the week.
With the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs drawing closer, both teams came into the contest with plenty to play for.
That importance was reflected in a competitive opening period, with both sides refusing to give an inch, meaning chances were at a premium.
That changed when Drew Kerr saw an effort blocked in the 21st minute before Luka Sunjic’s header was denied by Lukas Kamrath four minutes later.
The visitors responded through Bryan Destin and Steven Sserwadda, who both sent efforts over the crossbar.
NYCFC II’s Jonathan Lopez then saw a shot blocked just before halftime, while Alex Monis fired over for the visitors.
In first-half stoppage time, Jacob Arroyave, who was fresh off a goal in the Hudson River Derby, missed narrowly, meaning the teams entered the break level.
Destin then looked set to break the deadlock after running onto a well-timed through ball in the 51st minute, only for Mac Learned to rush out and make a vital claim at the forward’s feet.
Pilkington made his first changes in the 55th minute as Cooper Flax and Juan Ponce replaced Arroyave and Adonis Campos.
Flax wasted no time getting involved and flashed a back-post volley just wide of the target. He quickly put that disappointment behind him, however, and was instrumental in the breakthrough goal just a minute later.
Combining on the left with Ponce and Kerr, Flax showed good footwork to escape his marker and drive toward goal.
He then played the ball to Máximo Carrizo, who in turn found the overlapping Jonny Lopez. The fullback squared the ball across goal for Sunjic to bundle home, giving NYCFC II their first shot on target of the game and the lead.
Two minutes later, patient play out of the back eventually saw the ball reach Flax in space. He drove toward goal and got a shot away, but it was deflected behind for a corner.
From the resulting set piece, Kevin Pierre rose highest and flicked the ball on to an unmarked Ponce at the back post. He volleyed an effort into the ground, but it flew over the crossbar.
At the other end, a free kick for CT United on the right resulted in Kamrath flashing a header just wide of Learned’s post.
In the 78th minute, Máximo Carrizo forced a save from Gunther Rankenburg with an effort from just outside the box.
That would prove to be the last chance of note in the contest as NYCFC II recorded an important victory in their hunt for a place in the postseason.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC II is a game against Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, September 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00PM ET.
