New York City FC II Goals: Calheiera 9’, Baiera 20’, Carrizo 65'
FC Motown Goals:
Quick Read
New York City FC II recorded a 3-0 win against FC Motown in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Thursday night. City opened the scoring in the 9th minute after Taylor Calheira notched his first goal for the Club. They would double that advantage in the 20th minute through Drew Baiera before 16-year-old Máximo Carrizo added a third in the 65th minute with his first goal as a professional.
Match Recap
New York City FC II made the short trip to Morristown, New Jersey, on Thursday night as they took on FC Motown in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Head Coach Matthew Pilkington made several changes to the side that took on Inter Miami CF II on Sunday, with Klevis Haxhari, Alex Rando, and Jonathan Jimenez introduced in place of Samuel Owusu, Tomas Romero, and Malachi Jones.
A balmy night in New Jersey saw New York City FC II start the better of the two teams, and they made that early momentum pay in the ninth minute thanks to Taylor Calheira’s first goal for the Club.
The forward was found at the top of the box in space by Jacob Arroyave and after taking a touch to get the ball out of his feet Calheira lashed home an effort into the top left corner.
City showed no signs of slowing down and their one-goal advantage was promptly doubled in the 20th minute. The move started with some fine play on the left-hand side of the penalty box involving Máximo Carrizo and Jonathan Shore, with Shore eventually firing off a shot that was blocked by an FC Motown defender.
Thankfully for the midfielder on hand to pounce on the rebound was teammate Drew Baiera – the defender drilling a low shot past the goalkeeper.
The hosts were eager to reduce the deficit before half time but City were defending resolutely while remaining a constant threat on the break.
As the half drew to a close City had a chance to make it three via a set-piece from the right-hand side, but FC Motown were eventually able to clear away the loose ball.
The second half brought no changes for City but an early chance for Calheira to notch his second of the evening after a smart turn inside the box allowed him to fire off a snapshot that forced the Motown keeper to tip the ball behind for a corner.
The striker came even closer in the 53rd minute after a driving run toward the penalty area finished with a low drive that crashed against the inside of the post.
City would eventually find a third in the 65th minute after a clever body feint by Calheira allowed him to wriggle free from his defender and play a low cross to the back post. There waiting in space was Maximo Carrizo. The midfielder - who turned sixteen a matter of weeks ago - nudged the ball across the line to score his first senior goal.
Pilkington's side were proving relentless in their pursuit of further goals and that forced Motown's defenders into some last-ditch defending.
In particular, Calheira was determined to find his second of the night and saw his efforts to do so denied by the woodwork once more.
City continued to push for a fourth goal but were unable to find one and in the end it was Carrizo's goal that would prove to be the final one on the night, confirming a 3-0 win for New York City FC as they advance to the next round of the competition.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC II is an MLS NEXT Pro fixture against Chattanooga FC on March 27. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27.
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