MLS NEXT PRO: CT United FC Shows Grit in Narrow Road Loss to NYCFC II

Staff Writer
Apr 21
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

QUEENS, N.Y. — In a physical, rain-slicked tri-state battle at Belson Stadium, Connecticut United FC delivered a performance full of attacking intent but ultimately fell 2–1 to New York City FC II. Despite the result, the visitors walked away with heads high after controlling significant stretches of the match and nearly snatching a point in a frantic stoppage-time flurry.

The match served as a testament to CT United’s growth, as they out-shot the hosts in attempts on target and dominated the corner kick tally in a hostile environment.

Goddard Strikes Before the Break

Connecticut started the match on the front foot, pinning NYCFC II in their own defensive third for the opening 20 minutes. While the home side eventually found their rhythm, it was CT United that broke the deadlock just before the halftime whistle.

In the 45th minute, Robbie Mora delivered a pinpoint cross into the area, finding Laurie Goddard, who buried the chance to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. It was a deserved advantage for a CT United side that had looked composed and dangerous throughout the first half.

NYCFC II Responds in the Second Half

The lead proved short-lived, as Matt Pilkington’s NYCFC II side responded immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Sebastiano Musu found the equalizer off a feed from El Hadji Samb.

The momentum shifted fully in favor of the hosts in the 68th minute when the roles reversed: Musu turned provider, setting up Samb to finish a clinical counterattack and give New York a 2-1 lead.

A Physical Finish: Both Sides Down to Ten

As the rain continued to fall and the temperature hovered at 46 degrees, the match turned increasingly chippy. Discipline became a factor in the final 15 minutes as both teams saw key players sent off for second bookable offenses:

77th Minute: CT United’s Robbie Mora received his second yellow card.
80th Minute: NYCFC II’s El Hadji Samb followed suit with a second yellow of his own.

Playing 10-v-10 for the final ten minutes, CT United launched a relentless assault on the New York goal. They earned a staggering 12 corner kicks throughout the match and forced NYCFC II goalkeeper Mac Learned into five critical saves, including a series of heroic stops during several minutes of stoppage time.

Match Statistics

Stat	NYCFC II	CT United FC
Score	2	1
Shots (on Goal)	15 (5)	14 (6)
Saves	5	3
Corner Kicks	7	12
Fouls	15	11

Looking Ahead: Home Rematch vs. Union II

Head Coach Shavar Thomas will look to translate this competitive performance into points as CT United returns to Connecticut for their next fixture.

Opponent: Philadelphia Union II
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Location: Home (Connecticut)
Objective: Building on the attacking resilience shown in Queens.

CT United FC Lineup: Anthony Ramos, Rickson Van Hees (Dylan Lacy 64'), Richard Hauth (Andre Applewhaite 89'), Lukas Kamrath, Jeremy Medranda, Robbie Mora, Reyniel Perdomo, Ibrahim Kasule (Cauã Paixão 75'), Ernesto Gomez (Barnabas Tanyi 64'), Laurie Goddard, Alex Monis (Daniel D'Ippolito 89').