Huntsville City FC 2-1 New York City FC II 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season - Matchweek 23 Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025 | Kickoff: 7:05pm ET Location: Wicks Family Field | Huntsville, AL
New York City FC II fell 2-1 to Huntsville City FC in Alabama on Sunday. Máximo Carrizo set up Julien Lacher for a composed opener, but the hosts equalized through Alioune Ka in first-half stoppage time. Despite resolute defending and late chances from a series of corners, New York City FC II were undone in added time as Isiah Jones netted the winner to secure victory for Huntsville.
UP NEXT: The 'Boys in Blue' head back home to face off againstColumbus Crew 2 at Icahn Stadium in New York, New York on Friday, August 22 at 7:30pm ET.
Today's match was the first and only meeting of this season between New York City FC II and Huntsville City FC.
It was the fourth all-time meeting between New York City FC II and Huntsville. New York City FC II entered the contest with a 1-2-0 (W-L-D) record in the series.
After this evening’s match, the record stands at 1-3-0 through four meetings.
Through these matches against Huntsville, New York City FC II has scored five goals and conceded seven.
On the road against Huntsville, New York City FC II holds a 1-1-0 (W-L-D) record, having scored five goals and conceded five.
In their first road match against Huntsville, New York City FC II won 4-3.
This match marked the most goals scored in a match against either side in the series history.
The Club’s record on the road is 2-6-3.
New York City II has scored in ten of eleven away matches this season.
11 players have scored on the road for New York City FC II this season.
These players include Forward Seymour Reid (4), Forward Julien Lacher (3), Midfielder Piero Elias (2), Midfielder Uriel Zeitz (2), Forward Sebastiano Musu (1), Midfielder Collin McCamy (1), Midfielder Máximo Carrizo (1), Defender Chris Tiao (1), Defender Nico Cavallo (1), Midfielder Leo Guarino (1), and Midfielder Evan Lim (1).
Julien Lacher scored his sixth goal of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season campaign. Today he scored his second goal in three games (1G v. Huntsville, 1G v. Orlando City B).
Máximo Carrizo and Leo Guarino both assisted Lacher's goal in the 15th minute. For Carrizo, this marks his fourth assist of the season. Meanwhile, for Guarino, it marks his second assist of the season.
NEW YORK CITY FC II ASSISTANT COACH MICHAEL DAL PRA
On some positives on the season as it comes to a close... “When you look at the overall season, one of our main objectives is to push players, especially from the academy forward. We've had plenty of players that have impacted the second team that were playing with the UA teams last season, and players that have made their debuts from the academy, the second team, and even the first team this season. So that's credit to the work that's being done on the second team.”
NEW YORK CITY FC II FORWARD JULIEN LACHER
On scoring and finding a way to bounce back next week at home… “Obviously, it’s always nice to score but we’re gutted not to get the three points. We just have to bounce back next game and treat it like a final. Treat every game like a final, so we can make a final push for the playoffs and keep our heads up.”
15’ - NYC II - Julien Lacher [64]
Scored with a left footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Máximo Carrizo [29], second assist by Leo Guarino [75].
45+2’ - HNT - Alioune Ka [14]
Scored with a left footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Blake Bowen [2], second assist by Damien Barker John [15].
90+3’ - HNT - Isaiah Jones [47]
Scored with a left footed shot from the center of the box to the upper left central zone. Assisted by Pep Casas [6], second assist by Moisés Véliz [8].
New York City FC II were on the road this weekend as they faced Huntsville City FC in Alabama on Sunday.
After a 3-3 draw last time out, Matt Pilkington’s side were determined to collect all three points. The Head Coach made several changes to the lineup that faced Chicago, including the return of Piero Elias in midfield.
The hosts created the early openings, breaking forward with intent, though none of their chances tested goalkeeper Mac Learned.
At the other end, Drew Baiera cut inside and slipped a pass into Julien Lacher, but the forward was crowded out before he could shoot.
Moments later, New York City FC II struck first when Máximo Carrizo played Lacher through, and the forward weaved inside two defenders before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Huntsville pushed for a quick response through Jordan Knight, whose driving run ended with a shot that failed to trouble Learned.
They went closer in the 28th minute after a swift transition forced Jonny Lopez to defend a 2v1 situation. The defender stood tall, producing an excellent block to deny Real Gill.
New York City FC II responded with a chance of their own as Eugenio Guarino worked space inside the area, but his low strike was blocked.
As halftime neared, Damian Barker John was denied by a sensational reaction save from Learned. However, Huntsville equalized in stoppage time through Alioune Ka, ensuring the teams went in level at the break.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, beginning brightly as they looked to make home advantage count.
Pilkington responded in the 67th minute by introducing Prince Amponsah for the impressive Lopez. New York City FC II defended resolutely, with Chris Tiao producing a vital clearance off the goal line to keep the scores level.
Further changes followed in the 82nd minute as Uriel Zeitz replaced Guarino and Lucas De Pinho came on for Lacher.
Elias was also withdrawn for James Bilden in the closing stages. New York City FC II then threatened from a flurry of late corners, but Collin McCamy headed narrowly wide.
In stoppage time, the visitors were dealt a cruel blow as Isiah Jones—brother of New York City FC forward Malachi—struck the decisive goal to seal a 2-1 win for Huntsville.
