New York City Football Club II Goals:Elias 5', 84' (PK), Jiménez 23'
Red Bulls II Goals: Ssebufu 26'
Quick Read
New York City Football Club II carried their winning form into derby day on Sunday as they overcame Red Bulls II with a 3-1 victory. Piero Elias kicked things off with a goal after five minutes. Teammate Jonathan Jiménez made it two in the 23rd minute before Frank Ssebufu put Red Bulls on the board three minutes later. Keen to grab a third and restore their dominance, NYCFC did just that via the penalty spot in the 84th minute - Elias again the man on the scoresheet.
Match Recap
Matt Pilkington knew his side would need to be on top form if they were to stretch their three-game winning run on Sunday evening against Red Bulls II.
Red Bulls II were themselves coming into the Hudson River Derby off the back of a 4-1 win against New England Revolution II, with both points and local pride on the line.
It wouldn't take long for the game's first goal thanks to Piero Elias in the 5th minute. The midfielder raced onto a delightful chipped pass by Francesco Di Ponzio, before calmly slotting it past the goalkeeper.
A raucous home crowd were now in full flow and that helped NYCFC II establish an early rhythm in possession. The Red Bulls were desperate to find a route back into the game, and they thought they had it in the 16th minute via the penalty spot.
Frank Ssebufu stepped up to take the spot kick, but he put his effort over the bar to keep the score at 1-0.
Elias was proving a constant threat in the final third, and he thought he had a second in the 22nd minute following some pinball on the edge of the area. Unfortunately for the midfielder he was denied by the assistant referee's flag.
A second goal was not far away, however, and it came barely two minutes later. A delightful in-swinging corner was met with a powerful header by Jonathan Jiménez at the near post and flew past the Red Bulls goalkeeper.
The atmosphere was once again ramping up as both sides sought to claim the game's third goal. The Red Bulls would find it via a counter-attack, with Ssebufu able to convert from close range after a low cross from the left.
Match Highlights
The beginning of the second period brought about another chance for Ssebufu in the 50th minute. The midfielder was able to connect with the ball at the top of the box, but was denied by the post.
A delicate balance was now present. Red Bulls knew the next goal would restore parity, while NYCFC sensed a third goal could be enough to guarantee them the points.
Then, in the 83rd minute, a short back pass was intercepted by MD Myers and after a driving run into the penalty area he was brought down.
Elias stepped up, settled himself, and calmly dispatched the ball down the middle to secure the bragging rights and a 3-1 win for NYCFC II.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
New York City Football Club II are back in action on Wednesday, June 14 as they take on New England Revolution II. The Boys in Blue travel to Gillette Stadium for a 5:00pm ET kick-off.
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