New York City FC II Goals: Bielden 65'
New England Revolution II Goals: Olivera 22', Diarbian 35', Dias 48'
Quick Read
New York City FC II battled hard but fell 3–1 at home to New England Revolution II on Thursday night. Substitute James Bielden headed home from a Juan Ponce cross to spark hope, yet earlier goals left NYCFC II chasing the game.
Match Recap
New York City FC II returned home on Thursday night as they hosted New England Revolution II.
Fresh off a thrilling 5–4 road victory against Chicago Fire II, Head Coach Matt Pilkington’s side knew another win could significantly boost their playoff hopes against a team chasing second place in the standings.
The visitors carved out the first chance of the game through Damario McIntosh, but his strike was blocked.
New York City responded moments later when Collin McCamy rose well to meet a cross, only to see his header drift wide.
Soon after, Drew Baiera whipped in a dangerous delivery that forced Donovan Parisian into a desperate intervention. The goalkeeper palmed the ball away, and Chris Tiao pounced on the rebound, but his effort ricocheted off a New England defender and out for safety.
Despite the early pressure, it was New England who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. A loose ball fell to Cristiano Olivera, who drilled a low finish into the corner to make it 1–0.
Their momentum nearly paid dividends minutes later when Victor Souza rose to meet a cross, his towering header flashing just wide of the post.
New York City threatened again soon after, McCamy once more driving the action. From a corner, the midfielder almost forced the ball over the line, only for New England to scramble clear at the last second.
That escape proved costly for the hosts. In the 35th minute, neat interplay down the right saw the ball land with Gevork Diarbian inside the box, and he made no mistake, doubling the visitors’ advantage.
New York looked for an immediate reply and were handed a chance when Julian Ponce was fouled on the edge of the area. He stepped up and curled a testing free kick on target, but Parisian stood firm to deny him.
As halftime approached, McCamy tried again from distance, though Parisian collected the effort comfortably.
The start of the second half saw New York City FC II introduce Piero Elias in place of McCamy, but the visitors struck again almost immediately, Marcos Dias extending their lead in the 48th minute.
Pilkington turned to his bench once more after the hour mark, sending on James Bielden for Máximo Carrizo. The substitution made an instant impact: Bielden headed home a Juan Ponce cross within minutes of entering the game.
In the 75th minute, Mac Learned produced a fine fingertip save to deny Olivera’s thunderous strike from range. Four minutes later, Pilkington made his third change, introducing Lucas De Pinho for Ponce.
The hosts continued to push. In the 84th minute, Eligio Guarino saw his shot deflected behind for a corner. In stoppage time, Tiao headed a free kick toward goal, but it did not trouble Parisian.
Despite their late pressure, New York City FC II could not find further goals, ultimately falling 3–1 on the night.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC II is a game against Chatanooga FC on Sunday, September 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
