New York City Football Club II Goals: Arévalo 12', Turnbull 45+3', Jiménez 55'
Toronto FC II Goals: Diaz 28', 29', Walkes 88' PK
Quick Read
NYCFC II secured a 3-3 draw as they faced Toronto FC II on Friday. The Boys in Blue took the lead in the 12th minute through Ronald Arévalo. TFC II would equalize through Alec Diaz in the 28th minute before taking the lead via his second of the evening. Stephen Turnbull would restore parity in injury time of the first half. Jimenez pushed NYCFC II ahead early in the second half before a late penalty from Reshaun Walkes tied the game. Following the conclusion of regulation time NYCFC II claimed the extra point by wining 4-1 on penalties.
Match Recap
NYCFC II were in the World's Borough on Friday evening for a meeting with Toronto FC II.
The Boys in Blue entered the contest firmly in the playoff picture with two games of the regular season remaining, while their opponents already knew they would play no part in the postseason.
Head Coach Matthew Pilkington made four changes to the side that ran out 5-2 winners against Columbus Crew 2 last time out. In came Jack Beer, Nico Benalcazar, and Stephen Turnbull for Maximo Carrizo, Alex Hauschild, and Stevo Bednarsky.
The first notable act of the game saw Alex Rando collide with his defender, and despite early concerns that he may have to come off, he was able to stay on the field. That knock didn't stifle NYCFC II's momentum and they had the lead in the 12th minute.
Ronald Arévalo, fresh off being named the best player of Matchday 26, and notching a brace last week once again found himself on the scoresheet. The winger pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area with a velvet first touch before slotting it calmly past the goalkeeper.
Toronto would have a golden opportunity to restore parity in the 23rd minute after Rio Hope-Gund was adjudged to have brought down Jordan Faria. The attacker dusted himself down and attempted to score, but saw his effort crash against the right post and away from danger.
The visitors would find an equalizer five minutes later, however, after a run in behind by Alec Diaz allowed him the space to shoot from the right hand side of the box. His attempt, low and across Rando, found its way into the net to draw TFC level.
One very quickly became two for Toronto and it was again Diaz on the scoresheet. This time the goal from a turnover in the NYCFC II defensive third, with Diaz being found by a teammate in the box to convert from close range.
The hosts were forced into a first half substitution when Arévalo was replaced by Johnathan Denis.
NYCFC II were keen to find an equalizer as quickly as possible, and in the 40th minute, Jonathan Jiménez came close. The forward found space just outside the six-yard box but he could not put his effort on target. That was followed up by an effort from Matt Myers three minutes later that also narrowly missed the target.
Pilkington's side would find that equalizer in injury time of the first half. Arriving after some strong wing play down the right from Denis, it was his deep cross that found Turnbull in space to apply a calm finish.
The second half brought no changes for NYCFC II as they pursued the fifth goal of the game. They came close inside the first five minutes after a low cross found its way to Myers, but his stabbed effort was well saved.
Ten minutes into the second period the fifth goal of the game did arrive and it came for Jiménez and NYCFC II. The forward's powerful run was matched with an equally emphatic strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
They would go close to extending. that lead minutes later through Myers, but he could not make a clean contact with Shore's cross. In the 63rd minute, Pilkington turned to his bench for the second time and introduced Piero Elias and Stevo Bednarsky in place of Andrew Baiera and Jack Beer.
NYCFC II were still knocking at the door looking for a fourth goal and more security. Samuel Owusu would be the next man to test TFC II's goal with a drive from distance. His effort was turned onto the post for a corner that lead to nothing.
Denis would be the next man to try and add to the scoresheet with a left footed effort from the left side of the box, but his attempt was saved. Reduced to few chances in open play, Toronto would earn a second penalty of the evening after Turnbull was adjudged to have held Dekwón Barrow.
Reshaun Walkes converted the kick to tie the game in the 88th minute.
Neither side was able to find an additional goal in regulation time and that forced the contest to penalties to decide which team claimed the extra point - with NYCFC II running out 4-1 winners to secure the bonus point and keep their playoff hopes alive.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
Next up for NYCFC II is a meeting with Inter Miami II on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Kickoff at DRV PNK stadium is set for 2:00pm ET.
Watch live on AppleTV and follow our official @NYCFCII Twitter page for updates.
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