New York City FC II Goals: Calheira 19’, 45+1’, Arévalo 42’
Inter Miami CF II Goals:
Quick Read
New York City FC II recorded a 3-0 win on Friday night against Inter Miami CF II. City would take the lead in the 19th minute through Taylor Calheira. They would extend that lead in the 42nd minute thanks to a well-taken goal by Ronald Arévalo. Calheira would add a third for City before halftime with a close-range header. Those three first-half goals would be enough for City to claim all three points and climb the table
Match Recap
New York City FC II were aiming for a third win in four league games when they welcomed Inter Miami CF II to Belson Stadium on Friday night.
Matt Pilkington’s came into the game fresh off the back of derby day success against the Red Bulls six days ago and knew a win against Miami could push them as high as fifth.
A tight start to the contest saw few chances for either side during the early exchanges. That changed in the 18th minute when City were awarded a freekick on the edge of the Miami penalty area.
The set piece would prove a decisive moment for City, with Taylor Calheira firing a brilliant effort past the goalkeeper to put his side ahead.
The visitors set about trying to find an equalizer almost instantly, and a dangerous cross into the box could have caused problems for City had goalkeeper Will Meyer not been decisive in claiming the ball.
The hosts would be given a chance to double their advantage from a corner in the 27th minute, but Matthew Leong failed to keep his header down.
Nine minutes later, a teasing cross from Máximo Carrizo flashed across Miami's goalmouth as City again came close to scoring a second.
Pilkington’s side would double their advantage through Ronald Arévalo in the 42nd minute.
The winger was played through on goal by Calheira and after taking a touch he rifled the ball past the goalkeeper
Two quickly became three as Calheira notched his second of the evening in first-half stoppage time.
The Brazilian forward found space at the back post and headed in a cross from close range.
City didn't slow down as the second half began, with Jonathan Jiménez eager to add his name to the scoresheet.
In the 50th minute, the forward cut inside from the left and fired off a right-footed shot that just skipped past the post.
Defender Samuel Owusu would be the next man to test Miami’s defense after an outstanding pass by Jacob Arroyave curled up and around the Miami back line to find Owusu in space. Unfortunately, Owusu could not control his effort and saw it flash across goal and wide.
Pilkington would turn to his bench for the first time in the 69th minute. In came Jake Rozhansky and Julien Lacher as they replaced Carrizo and Arévalo.
City’s head coach would make one final change as the clock ticked into the 89th minute - Camil Azzam Ruiz replacing Arroyave.
Miami would attempt one last attack on the City goal in injury time, but a well-timed claim from Meyer allowed City to keep a clean sheet - Calheira's brace and Arévalo's strike helping City record an emphatic 3-0 win on the night.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for New York City FC II is a meeting with Toronto FC II on Wednesday, June 12. Kickoff at the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre is scheduled for 7:00PM ET.
