May 3, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New York City FC II News Release
New York City FC II recorded a scoreless draw on Friday as they took on Atlanta United 2. A tight game saw neither team able to find the goal they so desperately craved and that ultimately forced both teams to take home at least a point. Following the conclusion of a penalty shootout Atlanta United 2 claimed the extra point.
Match Recap
City took their talents to the Peach State On Friday eager to bounce back from defeat last time out.
Matt Pilkington’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, with Pilkington making a number of changes to the starting XI including the return of Samuel Owusu to the backline.
A cagey start to the contest saw neither side able to fashion clear-cut chances that could lead to the opening goal. As the half progressed City began to establish a rhythm in possession.
City came close to taking the lead in the 36th minute after a brilliant pass by Maximo Carrizo allowed Drew Baiera to race toward the byline and flash a cross across the penalty area, but unfortunately none of his teammates were able to provide the required touch to convert the opportunity.
A turnover in the Atlanta defensive third saw Jonathan Jiménez recover the ball and burst forward toward goal before being tripped on the edge of the area. That handed City a chance from a freekick, but not one they were able to turn into a goal.
The second half brought one changes for Pilkington’s side as Owusu was replaced in defence by Klevis Haxhari. In the early exchanges with neither team able to find a breakthrough even though City came close through Jonathan Shore and Calheira.
Stood in the way was Josh Cohen in the Atlanta goal. The shot-stopper boasts Champions League experience and used all of his ability to deny the pair with an impressive double save.
On the hour mark Taylor Calheira was put through on goal with a clipped pass from deep. The striker attempted to lift the ball over Cohen but saw the shot land on the roof of the net as the assistant referee flagged the play for offside.
At the other end, the 68th minute saw Atlanta come close when a ball from out wide was steered toward Alex Rando’s goal. The shot-stopper was able to comfortably gather the ball in as it lacked the power to trouble him.
A pair of substitutes for CIty were not far away as Maximo Carrizo and Piero Elias departed the game in place of Stevo Bednarsky and Jake Rozhansky.
Cohen would be tested not long after with…
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