FC Cincinnati 2 close out a busy week of action this Sunday, May 28 against New York City FC II at Belson Stadium in Queens, New York. It will be the first meeting between the two sides this season as the Orange and Blue continue the search for their first road win of 2023.
The match will be streamed live on mlsnextpro.com.
FC CINCINNATI 2 at NEW YORK CITY FC II – SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2023 – 7 p.m. ET – BELSON STADIUM
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ALL-TIME SERIES
Sunday’s match will be the third all-time meeting between FC Cincinnati 2 and New York City FC II. The Orange and Blue are 0-2-0 against the Pigeons in a home and away series in 2022.
SCOUTING NEW YORK CITY FC II (4-3-1, 13 PTS., 6TH EASTERN CONFERENCE)
New York City FC II sit midtable, occupying the sixth spot, heading into the weekend. The Pigeons have been impressive at home this year, losing just once to Eastern Conference leaders Crown Legacy FC. NYCFC II have scored nine goals over their last three home fixtures and are beginning to click offensively.
John Denis, who scored 14 goals in 18 appearances for NYCFC II in 2022, looks poised to spearhead the Pigeons attack once again. Denis has scored three goals this season and is rounding into form, having scored in back-to-back matches after managing just one through his first four appearances.
Jonathan Jiménez pairs with Denis up front to form a dangerous attacking duo, but Jiménez hasn’t been able to replicate last year’s success where he scored 10 goals. Jiménez has yet to find the back of the net for NYCFC II in six MLS NEXT Pro appearances this season.
New York City FC II were a strong team on both ends of the ball last season as they finished with 49 goals scored and a goal differential of +14. Those totals were both second best in the Eastern Conference behind only Columbus Crew 2.
Matt Pilkington remains in charge of the Pigeons in his second season with the club. Pilkington joined the New York City FC Academy in 2016, working with the U-15/U-16 and U-19 age groups. As a player, Pilkington featured for the Richmond Kickers and played two years at George Washington University.
MATCH NOTES
TO THE FIRST TEAM – Gerardo Valenzuela, a product of the FC Cincinnati Academy and consistent starter for FC Cincinnati 2, was signed as the club’s fifth Homegrown player on Thursday. Valenzuela played 45 minutes against Atlanta and leads the Orange and Blue in chances created (10).
A WALL IN GOAL – Paul Walters played hero in FC Cincinnati 2’s midweek shootout win against Atlanta United 2. While Atlanta’s only shot on target was a goal, Walters made three saves in the extra time shootout, leading the Orange and Blue to a 3-2 shootout win.
BACK IN THE GOALS, AND THE POINTS – A goal and two points for FC Cincinnati 2 Thursday night snapped a two-match scoreless drought and earned points for the first time since April 30. Ben Stitz registered his second goal of the season against Atlanta and is the fourth FC Cincinnati 2 player this year to bag more than one goal.
