May 7, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New York City FC II News Release
The New York City FC II players already know they’re making history when they step on the field Wednesday night.
For the first time in its illustrious history, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup invited teams from MLS Next PRO to participate in the competition. Of the eleven teams to accept, ten have fallen, leaving only New York City FC II standing.
Historically, New York has a proud history in the U.S. Open Cup, with 26 titles and 13 runners-up hailing from the state. That legacy is not lost on those competing for the crown in 2024.
“That’s something that we kind of emphasize,” forward Taylor Calheira said. “We’re not only playing for our badge, but the whole state of New York.”
Their journey to the last 32 of the competition has been memorable. The run began in neighboring New Jersey against FC Motown where a comfortable 3-0 victory was inspired by a goal from Calheira in the ninth minute.
That provided the opportunity for a Hudson River Derby against Red Bulls in the next round. That night belonged to Calheira’s teammate Jonathan Jiménez. The forward’s hat-trick was central to City emerging 4-2 winners – a result that earned them bragging rights and a meeting with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic in the next round.
On paper, the trip to Hartford, Connecticut was by far the sternest test City had faced in the competition. Hartford were on average older and more experienced than their opposition, with several of those involved for Hartford counting MLS experience on their resumé.
A wet and windy night in the Nutmeg state saw 120 minutes of grueling action end with tempers flaring and several red cards. More important than that, however, was the result. Another City win, this time by a 3-2 scoreline, with Calheira and Jiménez starring once again – their budding partnership delivering two of City’s three goals.
“That’s a good question,” Calheira said with a smile when asked which of the two games, Red Bulls or Hartford, he’d like to replay if he could.
“Honestly, I would probably say Red Bulls just because it was my first derby game. For me personally, the crowd that we had was awesome and you know, they’re playing the drums and chanting for us.”
His teammate had a different perspective.
“Maybe the Hartford game,” Jiménez said. “I think the fact that we were younger side and went into overtime and we were able to get a result is huge.
“For me, there were two moments where our…
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