Columbus Win 4-2 on Penalties

September 1, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
New York City FC II News Release

New York City FC II recorded a 2-2 draw on the road in Ohio against Columbus Crew 2. The hosts claimed the lead after 12 minutes through Jacob Greene before Taylor Calhiera tied the game up eight minutes later. Taha Harbroune handed Columbus a second-half lead before, amazingly, Calheira once again tied things up two minutes later. Both sides fought valiantly until the final whistle but they could not be separated. That forced penalties to decide which team earned the much-coveted bonus point. Columbus would claim that bonus point thanks to a 4-2 victory in the shootout.

Match Recap

A tricky trip to Columbus awaited New York City FC II on Sunday evening.

The two sides had met at the start of last month – with Columbus emerging 4-3 winners at Belson Stadium. Now reunited in Ohio, City were eager to claim all three points on the road.

Head Coach Matt Pilkington made four changes to the side that overcame Orlando City B last time out.

Among the changes was a start for Taylor Calheira after a goalscoring cameo against Orlando.

The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and that saw them take the lead in the 12th minute through Jacob Greene – the former D.C. United man pouncing on a loose ball in the box to fire past Alex Rando.

City would not be behind for long, however, with Calheira drawing his side level eight minutes after falling behind.

A well-worked team move involving Piero Elias and Camil Azzam Ruiz finished with the forward slipping it through to Calheira.

The striker then composed himself before firing it through the legs of the goalkeeper for his 12th goal of the season.

Columbus were keen to try and build out from the back, and in an attempt to combat that City pressed high whenever they could, creating an enthralling tactical battle in the process.

Pilkington’s side enjoyed the better of the first half, outshooting their opponents during the opening 45 minutes. A beautiful flick from Calheira put Drew Baiera in but he was denied by a kick save from Stanislav Lapkes.

City then almost claimed the lead on the stroke of halftime after a delightful cross from Jonathan Shore found the head of Ronald Arévalo – the winger’s effort forcing Lapkes into a good save.

The Crew thought they had the lead minutes into the second half after Rando was bundled across the line while claiming a delivery from a corner – the referee promptly ruling in the goalkeeper’s favor.

City registered a…