With five consecutive games without a win, FC Cincinnati 2 came into this match with something to prove. Despite a good fight to keep their 2–0 lead at halftime, New York City FC II proved too persistent, doing just enough to tie the score by the end of regulation. The extra-time penalty shootout was decided by a strong save from Paul Walters and a well-taken shot by Brian Schaefer to seal the deal. It marks the first win of the MLS NEXT Pro season for this young FCC 2 side.
First half
With Amir Daley back in the starting lineup for the first time since his preseason foot injury,
things were looking up for FCC 2—and the first half certainly reflected that optimism. Despite being starved for possession during an action-packed and foul-filled half, FCC 2 hung on to their 2–0 lead. There were stretches where FCC 2 went multiple minutes without touching the ball. When they did, NYCFC II pressed quickly and efficiently to regain possession. Despite having less than 25% possession in the first half, FCC 2 capitalized on their few chances and defended well to go into the break with the lead.
Second half
The second half saw NYCFC II come out with renewed energy, pressing high and keeping FCC 2 pinned in their own half. Despite being under intense pressure throughout the game, FCC 2 looked more composed and cohesive, as the week-long break between games seemingly improving their rhythm and team chemistry.
While the second half didn’t have as many standout moments, it featured constant pressure from NYCFC II. The stats tell the story—four corners and eight shots within the first 10 minutes of the half. The late equalizer by Maximo Carrizo, a 17-year-old who recently made his first-team debut, sent the game to penalties.
In the shootout, all players scored until the fourth round when Paul Walters made a crucial save on Evan Lim’s attempt. Brian Schaefer followed it up with a confident penalty to clinch the win for FCC 2.
Quick Recap
Match: FC Cincinnati 2 at New York City FC II
Date: April 9, 2025
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season
Venue: Belson Stadium | Queens, New York
Kickoff: 7:36 p.m. ET
Weather: 43°F, Clear
Scoring Summary: NYC 2–2 CIN (FT)
NYCFC II – Seymour Reid (Carrizo) 71’, Maximo Carrizo (PK) 90+2’
FCC 2 – Tega Ikoba 13’, Kenji Mboma Dem 19’
Shootout Summary
FCC 2 – Mboma Dem (Goal), Mangione (Goal), S. Chirila (Goal), Chavez (Goal), Schaefer
(Goal)
NYCFC II – Reid (Goal), Elias (Goal), Tiao (Goal), Lim (Saved)
Lineups
NYCFC II: Alex Rando, Drew Baiera (Christopher Tiao 64’), Prince Amponsah, Max Murray,
Tayvon Gray, Peter Molinari, Collin McCamy (Evan Lim 67’), Piero Elias, Maximo Carrizo, Julien
Lacher, Seymour Reid
Subs Not Used: Pierce Infuso, Luka Sunjic, Eligio Guarino, Jonathan Lopez, Brennan Klein,
Sebastiano Musu, Jack Loura
Head Coach: Matthew Pilkington
FCC 2: Paul Walters, Andrei Chirila (Juan Machado 61’), Brian Schaefer, Noah Adnan, Yorkaeff
Caicedo (Will Kuisel 67’), Peter Mangione, Yamir Uculmana (Carson Locker 35’), Amir Daley (C)
(Monsuru Opeyemi 46’), Kenji Mboma Dem, Stefan Chirila, Tega Ikoba (Ademar Chavez 67’)
Subs Not Used: Nathan Crockford, Xhosa Manyana
Head Coach: Tyrone Marshall
Stat Summary: NYC / CIN
Shots: 14 / 8
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Corner Kicks: 7 / 3
Fouls: 13 / 17
Offside: 2 / 0
Misconduct Summary
CIN – Kenji Mboma Dem (Yellow Card) 37’
NYC – Max Murray (Yellow Card) 39’
NYC – Piero Elias (Yellow Card) 43’
Officials
Referee: Stephen Foster
Assistant Referees: Max Smith, Zeno Cho
Fourth Official: Kyle Averill
Next Match
MLS NEXT Pro: vs. Red Bulls New York II, April 20, 2025, 6:00pm, NKU Soccer Stadium; Watch: mlsnextpro.com
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