Match Recap: Huntsville City FC leaves it late, but defeats NYCFC II in final moments 2-1
As the first team in Nashville looks to regain its bearings, Huntsville City FC could not be flying higher. The Rocket Men won their fifth game in their last six, after a late goal pushed them past NYCFC II by a score of 2-1.
It was the visiting Pigeons who opened the scoring, as Julien Lacher found the back of the net in the 15th minute. Huntsville piled on the pressure, and Alioune Ka made it stick, equalizing in first half stoppage time.
It would be until second half stoppage time that Huntsville found the winner, as a trickling effort from homegrown signing Isaiah Jones put the Rocket Men ahead for good in the 95th minute.
The win propels Huntsville to second in the East, just two points behind leaders New York Red Bulls II, with the Rocket Men holding a game in hand over the Red Bulls.
Lineup
Xavier Valdez started in goal behind a changed back four after Zach Barrett’s suspension due to red card. That back four consisted of Blake Bowen, Kevin Carmichael, Kessy Coulibaly, and Jordan Knight.
The two man midfield of Philip Mayaka and Pep Casas supported a front four of Alioune Ka, Damien Barker John, Ethan O’Brien and Real Gill.
Substitute appearances were given to Isaiah Jones, Bryce Boneau, Tyshawn Rose, Moises Véliz, and the re-emergence of Maximus Ekk, who has not seen the field since suffering an ACL injury during the 2024 season.
The Numbers
Huntsville City FC
Shots: 24
Shots on goal: 8
Possession: 50%
Corners: 8
Yellow Cards: 3 (Kevin Carmichael, Jordan Knight, Blake Bowen)
New York City FC II
Shots: 5
Shots on goal: 1
Possession: 50%
Corners: 5
Yellow Cards: 1 (Chris Tiao)
Analysis
While Huntsville is likely too far back with seven games left to challenge for the overall table lead, held by St Louis City II and their 51 points, the Rocket Men absolutely can grab pole position in the East.
They have been so, so good recently. Since losing to FC Cincinnati II on July 13th, Huntsville has been undefeated. Moreover, they have only required a shootout to win their game once. They’ve picked up 17 of a possible 18 points in their last six games.
There’s goal contributions all over the roster. Maximus Ekk has returned to further bolster an attack that has scored the third most goals in the conference. The defense is the second stingiest in the conference also.
Folks this team is a serious, serious contender. Even though four of the final seven are on the road, fret not Huntsville faithful. Your Rocket Men have only lost inside 90 minutes on the road twice this season, to Chattanooga and Cincinnati respectively. Both games finished 1-0.
Next up for Huntsville is a third duel with the aforementioned Chattanooga on August 23rd, this time back at Finley Stadium. We’ll see you then!
any attendance for the game?