New York City FC II rely on two second half goals to win their first home game of the 2025 season, 2-0 over Columbus Crew SC 2 on Friday night. Goals from Julian Lacher and Seymour Reid just three minutes apart stamped a dominant performance that saw head coach Matt Pilkington praise his team’s efforts following a shaky opening day in Chattanooga.
“It’s great for the players, the staff, the fans and the families that are here,” said Pilkington about his team’s win. “It’s important to have a good record at home. You have an advantage at home. So we have to make the most of it and make sure we do our job.”
The job was certainly done in the second half when Lacher took advantage of a poor touch by the Columbus defense, leading to a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper. The 17 year-old stood composed as he dribbled past the goalkeeper to bury the effort for the opening goal. Three minutes later Reid doubled the lead and scored his third of the season. Chris Tiao gave a poke-pass to Reid who dribbled past the defense and scored.
“The team was absolutely electric,” said City II goalkeeper Mac Learned. “We have a great new group of guys and to come out with a win and a first clean sheet at home feels amazing.”
City II have now garnered 5 points to start the campaign. A shootout win on the road following a dramatic comeback last week helped to establish the club’s perseverance. This week, they showed patience in the attack that could see them as one of the early favorites in the Eastern Conference.
STARTING XI:
New York City FC II: Learned; Tiao, Amponsah (76′ Infuso), Murray, Baiera (46′ Lopez), McCamy, Molinari (63′ Sunjic), Elias (90′ Loura), Carrizo (63′ Ponce), Lacher, Reid
Columbus Crew SC 2: Pruter; Presthus, Ferdinand, Rogers, Thomas, Noto (71′ Palacios), Elliot (83′ Ortiz), Adu-Gyamfi, Rincon, Su, Brown, Adams
SCORING SUMMARY:
76′ (NYCFC II) Julien Lacher (1) unassisted
79′ (NYCFC II) Seymour Reid (3) assisted by Chris Tiao
DISCIPLINE:
43′ (NYCFC II) Andrew Baiera – YELLOW CARD
61′ (Columbus Crew SC 2) Austin Su – YELLOW CARD
photo from NYCFC.com