New York City FC II Dropped by Crown Legacy FC

April 29, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New York City FC II News Release

New York City FC II suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday afternoon. The visitors took the lead in the 16th minute through Willian Sangoquiza Paredes. That advantage was doubled early in the second half via Dylan Sing. Crown Legacy scored a third in the 58th minute through Jonathan Nyandjo. City managed scored a consolation goal through Jonathan Shore in the 64th minute.

Match Recap

Sunday’s encounter saw the two sides meet for the first time in 2024 with Matt Pilkington’s side eager to stretch their unbeaten run.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and were given the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the eighth minute. Nimfasha Berchimas stepped up to take the spot kick, but was denied by a brilliant save from Alex Rando.

Crown Legacy would take the lead eight minutes later through Willian Sangoquiza Paredes. The defender found space in the box and rose highest to head his side in front.

City wasted no time trying to find an equalizer and they came close on the half hour mark. Winger Ronald Arévalo was the instigator of the opportunity as he drove down the left and cut inside on his right foot – his curled shot only narrowly missing the target.

Arévalo again came close in the 43rd minute after pouncing on a loose ball inside the area – a last ditch block denying New York City an equalizer.

Head Coach Matt Pilkington opted to start the second period as Piero Elias and Jacob Arroyave replaced Maximo Carrizo and Jake Rozhansky.

Crown Legacy would double their advantage just two minutes into the half after a cross from the right was headed home by Dylan Sing.

Two became three for the visitors in the 58th minute. Coming after a turnover by City in their defensive third, the ball was eventually played to Jonathan Nyandjo and he tapped it home from 12 yards out.

Pilkington introduced further changes in the wake of the goal as Arévalo and Alexander Hauschild checked out in place of Klevis Haxhari and Stevo Bednarsky.

City had Rando to thank for the score line remaining at three after a sensational save in the 62nd minute denied Aron John from a freekick.

At the other end, New York City were able to reduce the deficit minutes later through Jonathan Shore. The midfielder was found in space thanks to a pullback from Elias, and produced an impressive first time finish past the goalkeeper.

The last change of the afternoon for the hosts came in the 73rd…