By Juan Carlos Maygua
It was yet another eventful weekend for NYCFC and soccer in New York. The MLSNextPro saw the day view of NYCFC II as they hosted New England Revolution II at ST. John’s University in Queens. It was the opportunity to see the future of “The Boys in Blue” since we will see a few of these players with the first team down the road. The scheduling was set up to have a big turnout. A 5 pm kick-off time without having first-team action due to the international break allowed fans to come out and support the team. On paper, it was a great way to start this new chapter.
Unfortunately, the weather once again played against NYCFC’s interests and spoiled another home opener. Despite the cold and windy weather, supporter groups like The Third Rail and Los Templados 12 made an appearance in the stands alongside other brave fans. It was nice to see the support, nonetheless. Having people cheer you on can definitely make a difference regardless of the outcome of the game. In terms of the sporting aspect, the big question was who the first team members were would feature in the match. The majority of the press and fans already assumed that Chris Gloster and Justin Haak were going to see action with NYCFC II at some point. Both players have seen minutes with the first team, but Haak has been far more limited with minutes, so it was good to see him start. However, I did not expect to see Luis Barraza as the goalkeeper, somehow, I always pictured him with the first team. Especially after his performance last season, he needs minutes, and he can provide leadership and experience to the group.
The game was entertaining and competitive from beginning to end. Both teams displayed a very physical approach, something that wasn’t expected since they are squads that are still getting to know each other at all levels. Something noticeable in the way the scoreboard moved around throughout the 90 minutes. New England scored the first goal of the game because of a bad turnover in the 7th minute. Not the best start, but NYCFC II answered right back after a good play between Kevin O’Toole and ‘Nico’ Benalcazar allowed John Denis to score the equalizing goal in the 9th minute. Denis became the goal scorer of the first-ever NYCFC II goal, not a bad way to leave your mark in the team’s history. With the scoreboard even, the game saw back-to-back moments once again at the 29th minute. New England II was awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Luis Barraza made a big save and kept the game balanced, picking up on his big momentum from last season with the first team. The follow-up resulted in a penalty in favor of NYCFC II after a bad foul due to a high press play. Gloster stepped up to the occasion and gave the team the advantage.
New England Revolution’s Goalkeeper Jacob Jackson made a couple of key saves throughout the second half. One of them included a save from the goal line, had it gone in, the game was surely for NYCFC II. Those saves were rewarded in the 70th minute, Michel found space on the wing and scored the equalizer for New England II. The scoreboard remained throughout the remaining minutes and the match ended in a draw. However, the rules for this competition differ from those in the MLS domestic tournament. Therefore, games that end in a draw automatically go to a Penalty Shootout to determine the winner. Unfortunately, things didn’t go in favor of NYCFC II in the shootout. A defeat that was unfair to the team after the effort shown throughout the 90 minutes, but rules are rules after all.
In general lines, the energy behind this NYCFC II is very high. Many within the organization assure us that this squad will produce very talented players. How many of them are we going to see with the first team? Only time will tell, but the blueprint has been set with NYCFC II. I’m sure that the combination of experience and youth will help the members of this squad develop into professionals with endless potential. Players like Nico Benalcazar have already shown a level of maturity and leadership beyond their age. From acknowledging family sacrifices and making dreams come true, the values that are behind this team assure success. Have no doubt, the future is bright, and trust me when I tell you that this is only the beginning.