NYC FC II 2 – 1 Carolina Core FC
New York City FC II secured a 2-1 home win over Carolina Core. Juan Camilo Ponce scored the opener in the 18th minute before a Daniel Chica own goal doubled the lead in the second half. Jacob Evans pulled one back late, but City held firm to claim an important victory.
UP NEXT: The Boys in Blue take on their fellow New York rival New York Red Bulls II in the season’s first Hudson River Derby at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Sunday, March 30 at 2:00pm ET.
New York City FC II kicked off their second home match of the season against Eastern Conference team Carolina Core FC.
This evening marks only the second time New York City II has faced Carolina, with the opponent’s recent entrance into MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 Regular Season.
New York City FC II’s only match against Carolina Core occurred in July 2024, where the Club secured a 1-0 victory to kick off the series between these two sides with a 1-0-0 (W-L-D) record at the time.
Former Forward Camil Azzam Ruiz scored the only goal of that match.
New York City FC II held a 1-0 lead at halftime, marking the first time the team has had a lead going into the half over the first three matches of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season.
New York City II’s record against Carolina Core now stands at 2-0-0 after this match.
With two goals in today’s match, New York City FC II has now recorded multiple goals in three consecutive games.
The Boys in Blue have scored six goals in three MLS NEXT Pro matches so far, maintaining a goals per game average of two per match.
New York City II has the highest goal differential (3) in the Eastern conference, and the second in the league overall.
Only St Louis City 2 and Houston Dynamo 2 have a higher goal differential than the Boys in Blue, with both Western Conference sides having six.
Midfielder Camilo Ponce scored in his first MLS NEXT Pro start to open the match and give the home side the advantage in the 19th minute.
Defender Jack Loura made his first MLS NEXT Pro start as well. Loura came on as a substitute late during the Club’s Matchweek 2 fixture against Columbus Crew 2.
Forward Julien Lacher assisted Ponce’s goal to record his first assist of the season.
Lacher scored in Matchweek 2, making today’s assist his second goal contribution in back-to-back matches.
Midfielder Leo Guarino and defender Gianluca Rizzo both made their MLS NEXT Pro debuts.
NEW YORK CITY FC II HEAD COACH MATT PILKINGTON
Thoughts on midfielder Camilo Ponce’s start and performance today…
“Camilo [Ponce] was very lively and active, scored a good goal, and created some strong opportunities and positive moments for us. I believe it was a very positive first start, and hopefully he can build on it.”
On what’s contributed to the team’s strong chemistry and early success, even with so many new faces in the squad…
“It’s an ever-changing group, and a big part of our success comes from the cohesion and synergy within the club. Whether players are coming from the first team, the academy, or are based with the second team, there’s a strong sense of connection and understanding. I thought the mentality was strong tonight, and that’s something that will put us in a good position to continue improving.”
On the experience of his first start and scoring his debut goal…
“I’m blessed. I think it’s a very overwhelming moment. I’ve just been through a lot in my life, and I give all my credit to God, for sure. I faced a lot of trials and tribulations, and it’s just the first step of the way.”
On being from New York and playing for New York City FC II…
“It means everything. Like you said, just being from New York—watching the games, seeing the first team play—I’ve always been a fan of New York City FC. It’s incredibly motivating to see the first team around the training facility, and it’s truly a pleasure to be part of the club.”
Full Match Statistics –
New York City FC II (4-2-3-1)
Carolina Core FC (5-4-1)
Head Coach: Matt Pilkington
[70] Mac Learned [87] Jack Loura (83’ – [58] Pierce Infuso) [33] Prince Amponsah [23] Max Murray [24] Tayvon Gray (46’ – [85] Gianluca Rizzo) [73] Collin McCamy [71] Peter Molinari [83] Camilo Ponce (90+2’ – [89] Dylan Thomas) [42] Piero Elias (83’ – [72] Luka Sunjic) [64] Julien Lacher [74] Seymour Reid (46’ – [75] Leo Guarino)
Head Coach: Donovan Ricketts
[0] Alex Sutton [26] Paul Leonardi (76’ – [3] Zion Scarlett) [2] Daniel Chica [14] Jathan Juarez [6] Juan Pablo Rodríguez (46’ – [4] Kai Thomas) [20] Ibrahim Covi [29] Santiago Cambindo (46’ – [8] Drake Hadeed) [10] Jacob Evans [12] Msunguchi Alegna [24] Facundo Canete [9] David Polanco (76’ – [13] Josuha Rodriguez)Subs Unused
[80] Brennan Klein [90] Dylan McDermottSubs Unused
[1] Andrew Pannenberg [99] Aryeh Miller [21] Derek Cuevas
NYC II
Yellow Cards (3)
47’ – Peter Molinari [71]
58’ – Piero Elias [42]
90+3’ – Pierce Infuso [58]
Red Cards (0)
CCFC
Yellow Cards (1)
36’- Juan Pablo Rodríguez [6] – Bad Foul
Red Cards (0)
Referee: Benjamin Meyer
Assistant Referee 1: Nicholas Seymour
Assistant Referee 2: Eric Shreiber
Fourth Official: Laslo Sandler
New York City FC II were back on home turf as they entertained Carolina Core on Monday night.
Matt Pilkington’s side were looking to record back-to-back wins after besting Columbus Crew 2 last time out.
Pilkington made several changes to the side that beat the Crew, including bringing in defenders Jack Loura and Tayvon Gray, who replaced Drew Baiera and Chris Tiao.
The hosts took the lead in the 18th minute after a brilliant solo run by Julien Lacher culminated in the forward pulling the ball back for Juan Camilo Ponce to stroke home from inside the area.
Carolina almost drew level three minutes later after David Polanco broke the offside trap and raced clean through on goal. Thankfully for City, however, he dragged his shot wide of Mac Learned’s post.
A clever free-kick routine from New York City saw the ball pop up to Lacher inside the area, but he could not keep his effort under the crossbar.
Pilkington’s side finished the half the stronger of the two teams, and a brilliant, curled pass by Piero Elias almost put Seymour Reid in on goal the ball just skipping away from the forward.
The second half saw two changes for City as Reid and Gray departed the game, replaced by Gianluca Rizzo and Eligio Guarino.
A slow start to the second period produced few notable chances before Polanco tested Learned with an effort from distance.
City found a second in the 71st minute after good build-up down the left resulted in Ponce firing in a dangerous low cross that was inadvertently turned into the net by Carolina’s Daniel Chica.
