New York City FC II Play First Game At Icahn Stadium Randall’s Island | OneFootball

NEW YORK CITY, NY. — New York City FC II played their inaugural home match at Icahn Stadium in Randall’s Island following a partnership with Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA).

As a part of this collaboration, New York City FC donated $3 million to refurbish the stadium, developing it into a state-of-the-art soccer facility while preserving its use as an athletics venue for world-class track and field events.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony organized by New York City FC and RIPA was held ahead of the match to commemorate the occasion.

In their opening game at the stadium, New York City FC II recorded a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United 2.

“For us, going to different stadiums and playing in different places, I think, is always exciting,” said NYCFC II coach Matt Pilkington.

“The players seem very excited to be here. They’re very comfortable in this environment and there’s a good buzz around the locker room and around the stadium.

“I know that it’s something that they thoroughly enjoyed, being in the stadium. I think a lot of really positive things about it and hopefully we can do more games here.”

Atlanta’s Luke Brennan opened the scoring on the night in the 18th minute.

City drew level five minutes later through Ronald Arévalo. Camil Azzam Ruiz put City ahead in the 67th minute with an impressive finish.

Atlanta found an equalizer in second-half stoppage time after Rio Hope-Gund scored an own goal.

That forced both teams to settle for a draw in regulation time, with a penalty shootout deciding which team would claim a bonus point – Atlanta emerging victorious by a 4-2 scoreline.

“The guys are really excited,” NYCFC II forward Taylor Calheira of the new venue.

“The field was amazing and it’s good to be here, another home field. The fans were great tonight and definitely looking forward to playing on it again.”

New York City FC II Goals: Arévalo 23’, Azzam Ruiz 67’

Atlanta United 2 Goals: Brennan 18’, Hope-Gund 90+4’ (OG)

Photo and match recap courtesy of New York City Football Club