FC Cincinnati 2 head to Queens, New York for a Matchweek 12 showdown against New York City FC II this Saturday, May 23 at Belson Stadium. Looking to rebound from two consecutive losses, the Orange and Blue can pick up a second straight win against the Pigeons in the second meeting of a three match regular season series.
The match will be streamed live on One Football platforms and on MLSNEXTPro.com.
FC CINCINNATI 2 at NEW YORK CITY FC II – SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026- 7 P.M. ET – BELSON STADIUM
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FC Cincinnati 2/Matchup Notes
The matchup – Saturday marks the second meeting of the season between FC Cincinnati 2 and New York City FC II. In the previous meeting, the Orange and Blue earned a 1-0 home victory. Cheikhou Niang scored in his MLS NEXT Pro debut while Fabian Mrozek blanked New York on April 13 for FCC 2’s first clean sheet, and first win, of the year.
A first for Félix – Defender Félix Samson netted his first career MLS NEXT Pro goal against Chattanooga FC, pouncing on a loose ball in front of goal and cashing in on the visitors’ failed attempts at clearing the danger. Samson has started six games this season and has gone the full-90 in four of his last five appearances.
Back from injury – Forward Deiver Mosquera and the aforementioned Niang returned from injury this past Sunday against Chattanooga FC. Mosquera played 12 minutes off the bench after last seeing match action on April 13 against this weekend’s opponents in NYCFC II. Niang ran 21 minutes in a second half substitute appearance since last appearing April 19 against Red Bull New York II.
Scouting New York City FC II
Record: 3-4-2
Standings: 12th, Eastern Conference
Last Three: 3-2 win at Red Bull New York II | 3-2 loss at New England Revolution II | 2-1 win vs. Chicago Fire FC II
Head Coach: Matt Pilkington
Leading Scorer: 2 – Elhadj Samb, and Sebastiano Musu
Coming off a 3-2 win over rival Red Bull New York II, New York City FC II enter the matchweek looking to put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season. A slow start to the year has seen the Pigeons playing catchup in recent weeks, but games in hand over some of the Eastern Conference’s top sides has opened the door for New York to make a midseason run.
However, New York will need contributions in attack as the Pigeons have scored just 11 goals this season, tied for the third fewest across MLS NEXT Pro. That starts with Sebastiano Musu and Elhadj Samb, New York’s leading goal scorers.
Musu, an Oristano, Italy native, has played in eight games, starting seven with two goals and one assist. Samb, a first team forward, was on the scoresheet for New York in their most recent win and has two goals in just 148 minutes played this year.
