New York City FC II secured a 5-4 win over Chicago Fire II in a high-scoring MLS NEXT Pro match on Sunday. The game, played away from home, saw Sebastiano Musu score three goals for New York City FC II, including one from the penalty spot. Juan Ponce added a late goal in the 89th minute to seal the victory.
Chicago Fire II took an early lead with two goals from Jason Shokalook in the first half, scoring in the 27th and 32nd minutes. Richard Fleming III’s own goal in the 37th minute put New York City FC II on the scoreboard before halftime.
In the second half, Musu equalized for NYCFC II in the 54th minute after winning possession outside the box and finishing under Chicago’s goalkeeper. David Poreba restored Chicago’s lead in the 69th minute, but Musu responded quickly with his second goal just three minutes later. He completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.
Shokalook completed his own hat-trick for Chicago Fire II with a goal in the 80th minute. However, Juan Ponce scored from distance near full time to give New York City FC II their fifth and decisive goal.
The team made several substitutions during the match: Maxwell Murray was replaced by Pierce Infuso at 63 minutes, and Juan Ponce came on for Evan Lim at 67 minutes. Jack Loura entered late as a substitute for Máximo Carrizo during stoppage time.
New York City FC II will next face New England Revolution II on Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
