LIVE STREAM: MLS NEXT PRO: NYCFC II vs Chicago Fire FC II | Aug 23, 2024

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three matches that being said it's been about two weeks since Ludo tiand side last played they had last played uh 13 days ago so it's been quite some time since his side was on the pitch these two teams also played each other a month ago nycfc 2 and0 this season versus Chicago Fire looking to make it 3 and0 as we take a look at the standings and look at this fourth place to sixth place that's what this matchup is onepoint difference and if you look down even further Chicago Fire in the fourest spot look down below the playoff line the nin spot is just two points back of fourth place it is remarkably competitive in the Eastern Conference standings as we navigate the late season uh pushed for these sides again match week 24 is here these are the type of matchups that can really determine or at least go a long way towards determining postseason positioning if you get in and if so where you get in to the postseason so just one point separating these two sides one point between fourth place and Seventh Place let's take a look at the starting 11 today for third-year headman Matt Pilkington Squad five changes from last match which was a 3-2 loss against Orlando City most notably a change in net Tomas Romero a first first team backup keeper getting the start with the second team today just his third appearance of the season the El Salvadoran national team player getting an opportunity to start in net a couple of other changes as well important to note though no Taylor khera available this is the guy who leads this team 10 goals and five assists he'll be missing his third consecutive match so who else do you look towards JJ him is certainly somebody who can put the ball on the back of the net and distribute four goals and three assists and how about the young s 1-year-old Johnny sha major expectations for him a homegrown player who has six goals to lead this lineup for nycfc meanwhile for Chicago Fire again it's been a couple of weeks since they last played and this is a team that is uh looking to bounce back after three consecutive losses three changes from last match and they're also making a change in net Jeff Gul getting the start Patrick Los had started most of the season in net but Jeff Gul again a first team guy coming down to the second team getting the opportunity to start David paba leading the Golden Boot race will get the start at top the formation 15 goals for him he has scored four goals over his last four matches he's up top alongside another talented player Amari Glasco a Guana International who will look to bolster this attack also look out for Peter Sudan in the Midfield the Chicago Fire Academy player to 17 years old scored last match and is now starting in his fifth consecutive match so a lot of really good young Talent of the pitch for both these teams of course a league across the board that is remarkably young but these two teams to the extreme especially as the season has progressed and players have moved up and down from the first team from the academy so on and so forth so Chicago Fire 2 and nycfc here at bson stadium in Queens this the site of St John's University the Red Storm we appreciate all of you joining us tonight Marie dur is our match referee a matchup of two sides looking to get back to their winning ways and ycfc winless in the last three matches meanwhile Chicago Fire Losers of three straight but I've had a couple of weeks off haven't played since August 10th speaking with Ludo tyan the third-year head man for Chicago Fire he said listen it was good to give our players a week off to give them some rest both mentally and physically also gave some time for some players who had battling been battling some injuries to return and become available again they had been very young before the break in those three losses a little bit more experience in the lineup today for Chicago Fire well Matt punkington said last match hey our guys just did not perform to our abilities we conceded some soft goals that really put a lot of pressure on us look for his side to have a bounceback performance [Music] today New York City in the white kits Chicago in the red kits two great American cities going head to-head on this Friday night in Queens and a big thanks to all of you for joining us John gross with you for this Eastern Conference Showdown as it's lofted forward by JJ Jimenez and kned back by Christopher CS the 16-year-old a us youth national team player we talk about the youth and look no further than cups he has gone the full 90 in the last three matches and again in the starting 11 for Ludo at tyan side third meeting of the Season between these two teams nycfc leads the series 2 and0 this year against Chicago 42 win and then a two-nil win both of those results came on the road as this is worked down the right flank ycfc again coming off of that 3-2 loss against Orlando City they conceded goals in the 45th minute and the first minute of first half stoppage time it's a side that gets off to some very fast starts having scored first in 11 of the last 12 matches there's Chris Tia Lees it off for Pierro elos down the line for tiow as well to keep it in play and it's rolled out by Chase Nagel another young player just 15 years of age making his fifth start of the Season pardon me third start of the season in his fifth appearance and certainly a shove and a clear free kick awarded by Marie dur Chris Tia will take it to assist this season for the Randolph New Jersey native as this is sprayed into the area and will make its way out for a throw rco able to settle looks forward and that be perfectly read by Rio hope Gund making his fifth appearance of the the season New York City native who is a part of the nycfc first team speaking with New York City headman Matt Pilkington about this match he said Chicago a very good team tactically they're tuned in they're very aggressive they're very flexible with their shape as well meanwhile Ludo tand headman for Chicago that he wants to see his side play with their DNA an aggressive style want to be proactive want to play on their front foot quality combination play here as a stumble from glasow ands a promising moment and that's well defended right around the midline parabot lost it though and a free kick on the way for the home side there's tiow elos goes to work able to maneuver his way around Nagel worked out wide tiao space to send one in blasts one does sneak through towards the backside bouncing strike stays in the area and it's in Ron aralo and a lightning fast start once again for the baby blues backto back matches with a goal and the North Bergen New York native has his side of the driver seat this ball dangerously made its way across the area you see just the inability for Chicago to clear and aralo takes care of the rest make that now 12 of the last 13 matches in which nycfc have scored the opening goal scored INE by number 74 rald aralo aralo his fifth goal of this season in the El Salvador International adds to his tally back-to-back matches with a [Music] goal after a rough stretch an uncharacteristic stretch for New York City good listen three in a row this is his quality of a start as they could have craft it up this recent run you look back to the last five matches two two and one during that stretch that follows the run that got them into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference that 10 match unbeaten run the important thing to note for this home side tonight they do have two or three matches in in hand compared to the rest of the East as it's nearly given away and of course nycfc that round of 16 run in US Open cup play causing some scheduled changes he's given it away here's Sudan Glasco now nle Kay this really the first stretch of sustained possession we've seen from Chicago five lovely ball for Glasco he can be so dangerous as he works towards the by line sneaks it in there and does win a corner kick let's get one more look at it lovely ball first of all to switch the point of attack glasow goes right to work he is confident he is skilled he is determined he has that ability to break down Defenders 1 V one just ooes quality first corner of the night for the visitors and it will be another corner kick again a low ball skips into the area hop towards goal and just [Music] wide this portion of the match is brought to you by St John's University the official undergraduate partner of New York City FC 2 of course this match being played at St John soccer stadium bson stadium and a whistle as Maximo carizo got a little bit too physical here's Nagel one of those players who has been thrusted into a bigger role and he has really taken advantage of that and Coach Ludo Ty said Nagel's a guy who's really impressed this season in said he's a player who looks even better in matches than doesn't practice and you see it right there strong defending from [Music] Nagel Nel Taps forward and the flag is raised glasow just a bit beyond that back line auu dangerously gives it away it's paraba the Golden Boot leader up Ed well defended steo bednarski denying what would have been a golden moment for the Golden Boot leader h side looks to working transition here as it's lifted ahead towards JJ Jimenez Jimenez leaves it Central and it's knocked out for a corner well this was a heart stopping moment if you are the homeside the Golden Boot leader one-onone seemingly and then it's steo benari who breaks things up and the captain laying his body on the line to keep his side in the driver's seat elevated ball from the corner flag brought in by Jeff Gaul G the Chicago native backup keeper with the Chicago f first team making his way back to his home city after playing Seven Years in Sweden now in year two with the Fire Organization just his fifth start this season as the goalkeeper for Chicago Fire 2 [Music] Nagel unable to stay with it Shore the takeaway Wu launches long that does sneak through Shaw able to control Shaw lofs it and it tops just out of the reach of aralo and is sent out for a throw There's Hope Gunn under some duress T leaves it off Elio back for Tia options at both sides works it wide for Shore Johnny sha ahead for Tia a pops one in it is aralo off Target was searching for a second and it wasn't meant to be this is lovely buildup combination from Tia to sh and then back to Tia on a platter for aralo Val's off Target but you have to appreciate the buildup to get to that opportunity it's uh nycfc side that has a knack for scoring goals fifth in the league in goals they've also conceded the fifth Fest b top five in the league in goal scored especially impressive when you consider that they've played two or three fewer matches than pretty much every other team of the league still have 40 now 41 goals on the season Nagel finds glass side steps his way free Glasco strike blocked by bednarski menz it for a moment and then called for the shove our follow hustles after it he is the first one to get there is just enough to keep it in play goal scorer tries to dash his way ahead and is brought down it's David paraba tripped him up paraba the definition of a Difference Maker 15 goals this season for the Chicago Fire leader here's Elio on the Move Elio carries strikes off the post stays in the attacking third snuck out wide towards Tia and he will toss it back into play you see Pierro elos the quality that he brings third here with this club nearly a gorgeous [Music] goal H Gun leaving paraba in the dirt now lift lofs it long head controlls by corizo cizo find Shore back out for Tio cizo slices cizo bumped off of it and it's cleared away cizo the 16 years of age he is in the midst of what has been his most productive season somebody signed a first team deal as a 14-year-old youngest player to do so in MLS history at that point again some pressure being applied to this back line as Jimenez receives and Jimenez is offside let's take a look back a couple moments ago Pierro elas able to wiggle his way free got some really solid bend on it and finds the post would have been a very impressive individual effort and honestly was an impressive individual effort just from to create that opportunity have a window a space to get a strike off Nagel now long ball Nagle searching for paba and it's brought in by Andrew bayera as the Homegrown player Nails the scoreboard Give It Away short at the controls Taps ahead for Elio again surges Elio rolls ahead Coral by cizo unable to get a shot off and it will be a corner last ditch effort defensively it's Christopher CBS who ends the Run of cizo after the short Corner one two unable to combine will be a throw we've played 20 minutes in this first 45 an Eastern Conference Showdown couple of teams as it stands in postseason spots but separated by a mere two points part of me just one point separating these two sides remarkably close in the Eastern Conference he speak to these two coaches about how they handle that with the teams they say listen we we really don't speak too much about the standings these squads are both about the process and taking it match by match as it's Tapped Out wide working that by line chopped toward Shore the ask well done to win it back for aide here's Tia bit of space to work with Tia once more elas Tia back for elas has space to drive one in elas goes to work leaves it off back towards elas bit of a shove no whistle and simply a goal kick for Jeff Gul it's been quite some time since we've last seen Chicago work its way into the attacking half of the pitch let alone the attacking third looking to change that here although as elos again wins back the ball he's been really strong in the midfields as a ball winner lofted long and an aerial duel results in a whistle headed back to the visitors who again haven't played in 13 days Nagel Las go now Nagel leaves it off for Kaye there's Bryce Richards taking his fourth consecutive start the 18-year-olds after the Chicago Fire Academy it's one of the aspects of playing late in the season is that often times these teams are younger and do feature more Academy players given that handful of players every season are destined to make their way up to the first team plus you factor in any injuries that may arise and these teams from the end of the season are certainly on the younger side that the case for both of these sides for sure there's elos an experienced player he rolls it forward and Shore unable to send it goward Jaylen Shannon able to step in front let's get one more look at this well lovely feed from elos he is Crafty we talk about the young players he is on the experience side as third year with nycfc all as a starter this has been his most productive season in terms of goal contributions and you see the confidence the joy that he plays with not only a physical Ball winner in the midfields but a crafty distributor as well as it's lifted in the area and had it just wide BYU Gan able to elevate over everybody some really solid contact with it and again auu wins it in the air shore centers elas menz and in his feed out of the reach of bayera GA offs it long nigle that initial ball for Chicago side that loves to control the match there was an understanding from their perspective coming into this one that it would be difficult to do so since New York City prefers to play the same way Udo tyan emphasizing in our chat earlier in the week that his team has to prevent nycfc from Gaining control of the match the way that they have have really control the of this one so far as it's knocked ahead and bit heavy for Johnny Shore Nagel able to clip it Forward here is Glasco now flasco bumped off of it they play on here comes AR follow the goal score New York City in transition for Jimenez and he's offside you can see just how quickly this New York City side can break on the counter as it's again one back by Elio he has been so talented in the Midfield today as he's been all season Shore now turns the corner Shore muscled off of it by CS there's bednarski tried to flick on unable to connect there Richards now trying to work that touch line and a slide tackle ends his run this portion of the match is brought to you by Adidas the official kit supplier for New York City FC 2 here is Johnny Shaw promising moment once again Shore has space Shore that is routine for Jeff Gul but again we see on full display it's a team that when they win the ball they quickly look to attack and a free kick on the way for the visitors right T hullot stands over it one of those young players out of the Chicago Fire Academy ball from cups is able to link up here again drives it along tapped ahead and cleared Away by Rio hope Gund reel finds Glasco tries to switch for Nagel and it's sure able to step in front of it Cara working the wrong direction and cizo wins the whistle as we enter the final 15 minutes of this first half a critical Eastern Conference Showdown two teams separated by just one point in the standings as it's lifted towards simz and one hops into the chest of Jeff Gul elevated feed for glasow first one to get there as he blows by hope gun pops it across nobody in the receiving end of it though it comes out to Nagel Cycles it around here's Caye K tried to strike from distance instead Sudan back heill attempt unsuccessful and Os with the controls as short is bumped down T it ahead elos Taps forward for shore shore B went long this is promising aralo sends one in towards am menz skips just out of his [Music] reach and an errant feed from Johnny Shore gives it away Shore somebody who joined the nycfc academy back in 2017 as a 10-year-old seven years later a homegrown player after signing that deal in 2023 he's been instrumental to his team's success this year especially when you consider that as we mentioned in the open no Taylor khera today leading goal scorer and distributor in this team so who can step up and provide some attacking Firepower sure certainly one of those players physical challenge from aralo and it is a free kick on the way for the visitors also available today as a substitute Camille aam Ruiz five goals this year he scored four in his last four matches for the baby blues here is glasow glasow options on his right glasow Taps it central paraba pulls it back out and it's rolled wide by Peter Sudan really good buildt up here by Chicago and you see the attention that glasow draws unselfish dump off by pabba as well not the best hit ball by Peter Sudan the 17-year-old who scored last match was his third goal he's now making his fifth consecutive start K Out playing on that left side up front he had been on the right side for the start of this match it's taken away by Bryce Richards part Me by holot plays it ahead for glasow brings it into the area benari there defensively elas dashes threads it for Jimenez JJ dances Jimenez his shot deflected and kned away from danger andu that's a clear whistle as he upends David PBA quick restart is certainly not what Chicago was looking for out of that take a look at the possession stats done and Andy CFC of course likes to play with the ball they are the home team but Chicago loves to play with possession as well like to be very aggressive and theyve not had much of the ball in this first half a lovely ball for Tia Tia drives it across oh it's an own goal Jaylen Shannon an unfortunate step out with the right foot and it's 2-n New York City well what a gorgeous ball that was to find Tia and then that is as unlucky as unlucky gets from Jaylen Shannon and an own goal by the first year Pro makes it 2N the Big Apple in front of the Windy City oh York City and for a New York City side that has been so good starting matches this year that Trend continues once again 2-n the Baby Blues in the driver's seat and suddenly a Chicago side just lost its last three matches hasn't played in thir days it's to muster up a rally this potentially one way to get something going hot offside netting another quality opportunity for Chicago but nothing to show for it and it's the Chicago native making a gorgeous run perfectly placed ball and holot just offside n unable to find the back of the net there's Richards into two Els but elas regaining possession for aide jenez works the touch line marked by cups leaves it central for elos Elio tries to sneak went across defended though by Nagel Nagel carries Nagel plays it through flag is raised this portion of the match is brought to you by etad Airways the official Airline partner of New York City FC 2 and a tie up TOA the one whistles as we wind down in this first 45 here at bson Stadium the good news for nycfc if you look big picture they play a majority of their upcoming matches at home including uh today's match it's aside that is at 43 and one at home one of those home matches will be played at Icon Stadium glasow cre a little bit of wiggle room Glascow blasts one across and is high pointed by Tomas Romero who hasn't had to do all too much in this first half this is first appearance since May 26 and both of these Keepers similar story lines both guys who are first team players who haven't seen time with the first team at least in major numbers and are getting an opportunity with the second team tonight Glasco sneaks at Central tapped back out wide paraba tries to volley it back into play hope gun able to Loft it out of danger and hope gun forced to Sky this and that will make its way out for a throw it's at the final five minutes before added time of this first half 2-n lead for New York City as paba looks to link up with Sudan and a throw the way for the homeside and a clear shove as menz has knocked off his balance this one of three matches being played around the league tonight other one currently in action how about Orlando City leading Atlanta 3- n early on in the second half as left Central for Orel and it's knocked away toas Romero a stellar save first time he's really been tested tonight Serio reel said hey why not and toas Romero questions asked of him answers provided Cay now maybe a little more juice for the visitors Rell gives it away elos nods on as pinballs around finally brought back down to earth and aralo the goal scor the opening goal score I should say wins the whistle as M Pilkington barks out the instructions for a squad third season in charge of nycfc 2 after beginning his way his time with this organization as the u5 coach here is Shore the add to the standout first half for aide now it's cizo cizo that will leave the park Nagel lasasco making that run unable to find him angle again plays it through looking for the searching Sudan he finds it but nobody on the receiving out of that feed but as this half has progressed it's been better from the visitors in terms of getting the ball into that final third creating some chances making some threatening runs in the final third Romero it's a bit of a dangerous feed though bednarski was knocked down berari a local player from Chester New Jersey who in his third season after playing his college soccer in Bethlehem PA at Lehigh University for the mountain Hawks oh that is gorgeous Shore off the feed from Jimenez short centering connection cizo pulls back aralo dashes Central so we approach at of time initial indications of 2 minutes of stoppage time as we wind down this first half oh that is gorgeous it's cizo crafty cizo looking for a window dumps it off for Tia Tia has some space TI Works towards the B line and TI wins a corner Maximo cizo putting out a clinic in terms of creating separation remember that name Maximo cizo from right here in New York City corner kick from Chris Tia Tia Blast One in stays in the area elas Settles Tia teas crosses and it's headed Away by Rio hope gun for a goal kick cizo battles to win it able to switch for Tia as we wind down to this first half just seconds remaining has been quality first 45 for the home side Shore gun launches long will be a throwa quickly to take it likely one last moment it is played backwards and there is the whistle from our match referee Marie dur Matt Pilkington side in front a two-nil lead nycfc in front of Chicago Fire here from Jamaica Queens New York coming up Michelle Montaine sits down with us soccer Hall of Famer Kobe Jones but first a quick timeout [Music] on me I'll show you who you want to Bey yeah yeah it's going don't want it's the it's the it's the new it's the it's the it's the new [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] spee speech welcome back 2-0 the score nycfc in front of Chicago Fire Michelle Montaine got a chance to visit with an important piece of our soccer history with none other than Kobe Jones let's take a look [Music] what's up guys I am beyond thrilled and honored to be sitting down today with the alltime leader in caps for the US Men's National Team US soccer Hall of Famer all around amazing human being Kobe Jones Kobe thank you so much for sitting down with us yeah thanks for having me I appreciate it here actually close to is your hometown we're going to start by reminding everyone grew up here played high school at Thousand Oaks have really been an integral part of bringing soccer to your hometown of Ventura County when you think about the fact that you now have a professional team in really your backyard how does that sound uh well fantastic fantastic number one I have to correct a little thing I went to high school in weslake there wesle and thousand o Rivals you know they'll we'll kill each other so okay but you know it's it's all it's all so close you know West Lake Thousand Oaks Newberry Park you know that Cano Valley area that all in Ventura you know is is so uh so much a part of my youth you know my youth Landscaping Growing Up So to bring a professional team to my Hometown you know that area where everyone can participate to actually give kids the opportunity to play the sport because one thing one thing I always find is is it's it's difficult to play this game you know at a youth age and you hear it from the kids you hear it from the parents you have to drive so far but now to actually bring a an opportunity for the kids to see professional soccer right there it's close by you know I couldn't ask for anything else as you think back to those days of playing youth soccer and growing up here how would you describe that experience it was wonderful you know I got to admit it I I had a great time I loved this sport you know that's that's what kept me going look I wasn't always you know um a lot of people would think from the history oh you must have been the best player on your team and all that stuff no that that wasn't me I just played hard I loved playing the game that's what kept drew me back all the time that's what kept me going you know with all the obstacles and various things that were in the way why because I love the game you know so much and to play it in ventur county that Westlake Village thousand that whole area I look back now and just go like wow those were some really surreal moments in in time it's not the same anymore you know one of the big things I got to say and I and I'll try to keep this short is is just how it all started and the fact that you know I I was driving by a park and saw my cousin and my parents just pulled over and asked the coach can can he can he play and the coach said yes toss a jersey and then I'm out there kicking the ball around and that's how it started that to me is so it's so different than how it is now you know so that just is is a testament to just the beauty and just the rawness and the originality of the game and we can get anywhere like that in the future you know oh I'd be happy what was your role in bringing this professional Club to Ventura County that's always interesting when people last night it there was a variety of different things that I done you can't you can't pen it to really any one thing I I would say you know um obviously West like Thousand Oaks being my hometown me being a part of it was significant for um I guess the however you want to put it completing the situation of bringing bcfc there because you know you want to have kind of like for MLS it's about having that Legacy type of situation you know so for me it was about yes being a part of it helping to be like a quote unquote like Bas of it but also to be um active within it you know I don't want to be just like okay yeah you can use my name and go ahead no I want to be there because I want to make sure that it it's the right way if I'm going to be a part of it I want to make sure that we are affecting the right people giving the opportunities to the right people it's it's like going home right if you go home you don't want to just like leave it behind and just go oh yeah you take care of it no if this is this is is like my home I I want to be a big part of it so I'm I'm involved in a lot of various things within the club when you watch the games as they are now you kind of mentioned the growth of the sport but watching them being an involved part of one of these clubs in in last next Pro what does that say about the growth of the sport in this country I think I think this is a very significant part of the growth of of soccer in the United States we have seen it um grow exponentially over the years I've seen it grow exponentially from the '90s into the early 2000s and there's always these uh seminal moments you know be it the 94 World Cup you know uh the 99ers for the women um all these various points but then you also have to have a base that continues that growth and I think MLS next Pro is one of those um Stepping Stones that's going to allow a base where no matter what happens at the highest level success failure hopefully not failure but but you continue to grow no matter what and if we are helping uh young players to have that opportunity to play day in day out at a high competitive level that's only going to help the game within the United States all right I do want to take a little bit of time to talk about your career because it has been one of the pillars in growing the game here in this country we mentioned all the success with the US Men's National Team of course we we also have to mention domestically all the success with LA Galaxy when you look back on your career what stands out to you now championships sming like a true player no look that's what that's what you're you're playing this for right I'm I'm sorry I'm old school I play to win you know I'm not out there just to have fun and if you talk to some of my old teammates you know one of the things they they they will say that yeah I like to have a good time but they I would guarantee they'd say I was very competitive you know not just on the field but it could be anything from you know the water bottle in the locker room tossing up to see who's going to get it first you know we're those are things that we did and you want to win you want to be competitive but outside of that the natural which I hope for every you know competitive athlete the natural is to win championships it's I I I look back in other moments that stand out it's it it's really not so much you know the games themselves it's the locker room it those are the moments it's it's being with the guys you know on the road those are things that have become more prominent you know in my life as I've gotten older because I realized you know you don't get that in anything you know anymore you don't get the locker room experience like that no matter what you're doing so it's almost like you're trying to find a way to find that again some way somehow but you can't so yeah that's that's one of the things that really started standing out as well is those those locker room moments and good times with the guys you know that's why we Tred to get together and bond you know you know again reunions reunions everywhere Kobe as we wrap up just want to ask are there any special projects in the world of Kobe Jones going on that you want to share or talk about well I think I think well other than there other than this one right now this is a pretty big project going on right now um you know maybe we'll have to meet again because I know there are some things that are in the works that that I would like to let everybody know about so uh hopefully you'll invite me back you know it's at some point a perfect tease to leave you wanting more I appreciate the time Kobe thanks for having me that does it for this episode a very special episode with a very special guest for Ms next bro you can catch the extended version of this interview by visiting MLS nextpro tocom so this one of three matches tonight let's take a look at the schedule this is a week that started earlier in the week Dynamo do a thrashing of Minnesota United 4-1 Victory just one match tomorrow Carolina core against New England and then a jamack Sunday you could spend your entire Sunday starting at 300 p.m. eastern time all the way to midnight when that Ventura County real monarchs match ends and we wrap things up Monday Union 2 against Columbus Crew and again as we move through match week 24 we are nearing the end of the regular season we showed you the standings earlier in the Eastern Conference it is so compe competitive every match of the utmost importance as we navigate the final few match weeks of the 2024 season we'll step aside one more time when we get back highlight stats and second half kick after this [Applause] [Music] speee here we again the streets here we again to our own if we start to lose the RM in our feet we just it again it again again halim a 2-0 score line New York City in front of Chicago here on MLS nextpro do.com thrilled to have you with us as we get you set for the final 45 minutes of action but first let's take a look back at the first 4 5 minutes again a matchup with major Eastern Conference implications let's look back at the first half that was Chris Tia was very active on this Left Flank as he sprays this one across and watch number 74 Ronalds aralo able to settle and strike Chicago Fire just unable to clear that initial ball from Tia good things rarely happen when you let a ball skip across the area like that and stay in the final third and again it's Tia sends one in aralo those two trying to link up and hits it off Target the Advance on it's another ball in from Tia won by auu heads it just wide Mor of the story nycfc knocking in the door on a multitude of occasions then this lovely ball ends up with Tia who drives one in and it's an own goal a dreaded moment for Jaylen Shannon the firste professional and and again it's Tia who just makes things happen for a couple of opportunities for Chicago Fire the best one right there but the save from Tomas Romero erases the opportunity let's take a look at the first half stats and as you see the total shots tell quite the story New York City doubling up Chicago 12 to6 in terms of total shots now shots on Target only 2 to one but not only have there been a lot of shots there's been a lot of possession in that final third four to2 in terms of corner kicks has really limited Chicago's opportunities in the second half they'll love to find a way to win the ball more to have some more sustained possession and to get opportunities to be in that attacking third because we honestly rarely saw them in that final third in the first 45 no cards for either side in what was not overly physical of a first 45 minutes but either way an intriguing first half and a first half that New York City will most certainly take as they look to hang on and as it stands live table update New York City now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference Chicago Fire dropping down one spot to fifth again just one point separating entering today Chicago Fire from nycfc fire were onepoint up today in fourth place as it stands a two-point lead for nycfc and remember the 10th Place spot now with 33 points for New York Red Bull so there was not a lot of wiggle room between uh fourth place and 10th a change at the break for Chicago Peter Sudan's day is over he's replaced by the Parisian chrisan Kofi who heads on his 19th appearance of this season just his fourth time as a substitute but a real game changer type of player with as good of a pedigree as you'll find product of the Monaco and Fiorentina acmy as we get things going in the second half it is aralo tries to sneak one through unable to do so though he nearly W it back is coffe his first touch chisan cof came in replacing number 53 Peter sud and a bit of an errant feed there from the Guyana International Amar Glasco who was active in that first F 45 they will need him to find a way to generate some chances for himself or for others in the second half well defended Nagel battles with Shore that is a matchup of two young players who have Bright Futures third meeting of the Season between these squads it's a series that the baby blues of nycfc have controlled 42 and 2-0 Victors earlier this season Matt Pilkington just brought in that bouncing ball looking to lead his side a season sweep of Chicago Fire here is a USU goes through aralo combination back to aralo leaves it off OS bit heavy in the feed to aralo making that runel bumped down by aralo who is beside himself after that whistle from M dur our match referee it was aralo who got the party started for the homide and the own goal adding to this lead as it's played on for coffee chrisan coffee the halftime substitute coffee muscled off of it by auu clearance only as deep as Orel his strike comes off the face of bednarski who is a bit woozy understandably so Laura hell has shown a willingness to send in strikes from well outside the area it will be the first corner kick of the second half for either side as it's lofted towards the back post headed away F Le back towards frame turned away Romero the save it's his second of the night one more look it came out to Bryce Richards this time no trouble defending that corner for nycfc Richards Dial's long now paraba Golden Boot leader with 15 goals this season really no shortage of attacking pieces for Chicago see if they can muster response and here's one way to do so here's coffee Acres of space to work with Christian coffee his cross takes the deflection off of the Stout Samuel auu it's been just about five minutes but the impact of Christian coffee has been notable corner kick Play Short curled towards the back post no trouble for Tomas Romero it's just third appearance of the season the 6'2 goalkeeper Bo auu he's on bayera locates aralo aralo back towards bayera and it's knocked Away by Christopher CBS Here Comes Kofi Cay Orel under some duress paba as he's brought down able to get rid of it but nothing more than that a short takes it away elas surges OS plays ahead and carizo knocked off of it AR ralo unable to clean up the mess elas just so good at reading these transition opportunities I think it's pretty clear that's where his experience comes into play he doesn't Force he's very patient in those moments Glasco taking on two Defenders Glasco unable to stay on it he's one of those players who can Kickstart a for the visitors Amari Glasco somebody who Ludo T said has just a top top mentality he's incredibly versatile we've seen that today now we see him at top the formation we've seen him at times drop back a bit today both sides of the pitch and versatility major boost to the Chicago Fireside and he really made a name for himself at the 2324 cocka Nations League leading goal score that event Nations league b shs the initial ball alos comes in late throw awarded to the visitors here at bson stadium in Queens the campus of St John's University this portion of the match is brought to you by St John's University the official undergraduate partner of New York City fc2 elos wins it back leaves it off for Shore Johnny Shaw again conects with aralo for sure [Music] elas Taps wide bayera able to combine with cizo cizo moves it edge of the area auu into the first row suit not somebody who you typically see with shooting opportunities like like that especially off of difficult volley with his left boot as that one by by AA carizo now carizo goes down edge of the area side looking for a whistle they don't get one [Music] and some contact as Jimenez is whistled for the takedown of Jaylen Shannon [Music] cups dials went long second ball tapped by Pare but nothing more than that though his touches have been limited aralo certainly have been not he's been all over the ball tonight aralo one goal already aralo sends one across a threatening ball from Ronald aralo and it simply makes its way out for a Chicago throw let's get one more look at it aralo trying to locate Jimenez theas centering feed for kizo auu now auu floats forward and called off by Jeff Gaul who quickly boots it back into play well done by Rio hope Gund you can see the idea there from Jeff G trying to work quickly and find paba now it's hope Gund back down the line for sha Johnny Shaw goes to work on Shannon leaves it off for elos his feed broken up though by Orel and an extension of the arms on that shove by TI that's an easy whistle give it away again in the midfields Here Comes Jimenez numbers to work with JJ Jimenez leaves it off for shore shore rolls across broken up at the last moment Bryce Richards Lenz finding shore shore multiple running as you can see he was looking for aralo on the doorstep of a brace and it's Bryce Richards the academy player saves the day for Chicago Fire and at least leaves the window open for potential rally figured that third goal probably would have been want to seal things and G brings it in thought about working quickly well an experienced goalkeeper second year with the Chicago Fire Organization a backuper with the first team who previously spent seven years in Sweden now making his return to the Chicago land area which is where he is from Kofi it's parba angles went out wide Nagel plays it forward towards Kofi and it's out of his reach bayra dragged from behind this will be a clear card it's their first booking of the match and it's Amari Glasco shown yellow Glasco trying to break things up that promising buildup for the homide and a clear-cut yellow card from Marie dur that's her first yellow of the match for either side berari down certainly monitor that the captain back in his feet and we will see a change to Chicago substitutions a pair of changes on the way Billy heny the midfielder heads on for Chase Nagel as does Harold ooro he replaces Juan Cay ooro member of the El Salvador national team nine goals this season last match had played a season low seven minutes as a substitute somebody else who can add some major attacking Firepower to this lineup a yellow card was issued to Chicago's number5 in theth for heny this his first appearance since July 6th does have one assist this season L ahead towards coffee hope gunned was had a really solid performance today defensively able to clear it and a lot of contact this be another car JJ Jimenez got physical alen Shannon is down Shannon back to his feet by Jeff G Shannon who Rec of that own goal earlier the first year Pro after six seasons at Western Michigan University he was an All-American as a senior I has some real promis to make his way to the first team he trained with the first team in the preseason as this is rolled ahead for cizo cizo leaves it to his left sh tries to drive it across and Def Flex out off of heny for a corner once again the line share of the action in the direction of the attacking goal for New York City the baby blues really in strong control of this one again it's Chris Tia to take it ball Twirls just to the edge of the area auu had it momentarily elas Loops it ahead Shore was offside take away from aralo right back to him the goal score oh that's a lovely feed Jimenez a prime opportunity for JJ Jimenez who has been a major attacking presence all three of his Seasons with this club he left it off to the right and aralo is limping and what has been a standout performance by Ronald aralo he will get checked on aralo the goal score earlier has been incredibly active on the right side creating for his teammates and also leading the match with three shots getting chck done now by athletic trainer for New York City aralo native of northbergen New York up to five goals in the season back-to-back matches with a goal for the El Salvador International major reason why his team finds itself in the driver's seat two-nil lead and as it stands with climb into to fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings and as we showed you earlier the Eastern Conference incredibly competitive even if this result stands and nycfc exits today with 37 points in fourth place fourth place to 10th Place separated by a mere Four Points top eight teams in each conference make it the baby blues did not make the postseason last year Chicago Fire finished in sixth place in the East lost in the first round of the playoffs and every opportunity for these young players to get in the pitch is Meaningful for their devel but especially when you factor in some of the pressure that comes with these late seon matches the implications are enormous reel to break down this low block of New York City glasow goes to work Glasco snaps one across auu heads it away him menz settles leaves it off for elas hero elas P it back for Jimenez JJ tripped up will we see a card yes we will Harolds aoro shown yellow another booking again Chicago Fire second yellow against a fire player time it's oio who has been booked har9 a correction on Chicago substitution in the 62nd minute number 47 Billy heny came in replacing so a free kick on the way for Rio H Gund the New York City native signed with the first team back in March hopped around to a couple of teams and now now playing for his home City squad cizo another New York City native that feed makes its way back towards him but aoro whisks it away sorio able to link up here paraba Cycles it around for nle glasow Orel centering feed looking for roro St towards paraba it's knocked away the really good tackle at least breaks up the initial counter chance but here come nycfc aralo into the area and it's Nagel who breaks things up allowing his teammates to retreat really good counter defending by Chase Nagel nle who went the First the full 90 For The First Time in his career last match unra to do so again today as we enter the final 20 minutes of this Eastern Conference matchup elas dashes through traffic elas leaves it off for shore shore dispossessed courtesy of cups another throw in coming for the visitors who have lost three straight matches it's been a a l these last couple of weeks for Chicago Fire now having to respond after those losses and also having not played in 13 days that being said it was a stretch that head coach Ludo tiand said allowed his team to have some time off to rest mentally physically get some players who were dealing with injuries back glasow finds cof coffee rolls one across and the Golden Boot leader continues to shine David PBA it's his 16th of the season and there is new life for Chicago Fire well this was textbook you want to talk about a big three of attacking pieces it's those three glas scor Davida and it's 2-1 and just like that fire have life 16th of the Season David paba now has five goals over his last five matches and he now leads the Golden Boot Race by five goals more than second place and a bit of risk there from Jeff G he's off his line elos Taps wide ralo locates by AA that last deflected off of Christopher CS that certainly changes the calculus at least to some degree for New York City they were entering a stretch of the match where they could really start to just sit back and hold on to a two-goal lead now having to preserve just a one-goal lead we will see some changes City Subs JJ Jimenez comes off replaced by Camille aam Ruiz the Spanish Striker scored last match he has scored four goals in his last four matches and he will Ex enter a top this formation as does Jake rosanski normally a starter for this team Marilyn native heads on for steo bednarski first two alterations for the home side ready from the corner flag it is Ronalds aralo it away aralo first to get there ralo Zoro some contact it will stay with the baby blues looking to see this one out snap a three match win list streak find themselves in fourth place of the Eastern Conference now Chicago getting ready to make a [Music] change Sergio Orel heads off replaced by the native of Sagal Jean dof dof is his first appearance since July 21st do a member of the senales youth national team also with the beach football team senagal Zoro dragged down reach for the pocket and a c comes out it is ronals aralo so the goal score now booked this portion of the match is brought to you by Adidas the official kit supplier for New York City FC 2 a yellow card has been issued to New York City's number 74 Ronald aralo in the6 so aralo issued the yellow in the 76 first booking of a New York City player tonight Nagel leaves it out wide Chicago searching for that equalizer zanski PS it out of danger Shore dispossessed there's a whistle draw the ey of the fire bench and a yellow card will come out as well after that reaction from the fire bench lud tand the third-year head man for Chicago Fire looking to lead his team to a come from behind results from just outside of Paris came through the Paris senterman system over 20 years of head coaching experience throw one coming for the visitors CS lofs it in finds aoro able to do much with it poor giveaway there right to aralo he'll dial went long Ruiz on the Move Ruiz lifts it and it is wide Camille aam Ruiz Now searching for the whistle he won't get one simply a goal kick let's get one more look at it well it was the giveaway that allowed this ball to be sent over the top he's does go down but no contact a yellow card has been is to Chicago's bench a lovely flick it's lifted and kned awayy heads forward elos we dispossessed put it wide and an erron ball to [Music] glasow approaching the final 10 or so minutes before stoppage time Chicago Fire New Life after scoring in this second half courtesy of the Golden Boot leader in the league David paraba his 16th goal of the season for paraba a full circle Journey the Chicago native came through the Chicago Fire Academy joined this club on loone from the Polish first division prior to the season what a piece he's been As carizo Leaves It Forward play ahead here's Ruiz and he's offside D plays been long it'll skip innocently to thas R Romero coffee wins it bit of a jersey tug as well another one and there is the whistle ke probably wanted the advantage to be played but it is a clearcut yellow card Pierro elas a yellow card has York City number2 this is an opportunity Harold dorio stands over it there's not been much in the Run of play today for the visitors maybe a set piece is the answer so pops it in there controlled by Glasco Glasco looking to level and it's brought in off a Ricochet toas Romero saves the day there's one more look ended up coming to one of the guys who certainly want on the ball if you're Chicago but it's well well defended once Glasco was able to send it goward Glasco pabba old score earlier for Chicago do oh slide tackle breaks things up from the who bodies his way to win it back asorio now inside outs one ahead for Glasco Glasco trying to get there and auu beats him to the spot Chicago getting ready to make a change Cruz HS getting set to enter h the 16-year-olds it'll be his fourth appearance of the season come on as a substitute last three matches and you not quite the feed he was looking for this portion of the match is brought to you by OT Airways the official Airline partner of New York City FC 2 and here is that chain Cruz helds heads on for Vali [Music] Julet H guns wants to lift it away will be a throw for the baby blues who just minutes away from hanging on in this pivotal Eastern Conference Showdown nycfc welcomes Orlando next Wednesday meanwhile Chicago Fire will head to New England next Saturday before consecutive home matches against Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls elas as well to bring it up comes right back to him elas zigs his way elos comes again to elos and he wins a corner oh no okay there's the whistle that was well over the by line Mor of the story Pierro Elias knows that to make runs off the ball and his teammates know how to find him just has such an innate sense for creating for his teammates locating the Open Spaces and again he's an experienced guy his third year with this club all three seasons as a starter this has been his most productive season in terms of goal contributions as Christia raises that hand Tia blasts it in comes out to aralo tries to Pop It Forward off the half oi launched nearly out of the [Music] stadium Shannon a good step defensively as it's kned ahead by Ruiz gets tied up and loses it Christian coffee now the Parisian PBA leavs it out wide Amari Glasco Works inside dumps it off for roro CS back for Glasgow glasow goes [Music] down cizo struggling to clear here Al forced to play back to a USU auu gives it away here's glco just off oh that was the moment that was the moment for Chicago Fire you felt New York City FC maybe doing just a little too much of the back not able to clear and auu loses his footing oh and it's a golden moment for Amari Loco and an empty opportunity Johnny Shore offside held quickly in for coffee coffee so crafty finds aoro asorio back for coffee coffee leaves it central down goes aario there's the whistle Chicago Fire in the dying Embers can level things Zoro tripped up and it's David paraba New York City in the 89th number1 change for New York City Ronald zalo comes off replaced by Jonathan Lopez the 17-year-old just to six the p of the season and well can imagine that substitution was not made with this in mind a chance for Chicago to tie from the spot we will see five minutes of added time but for right now it's the Golden Boot leader David pabba who was won goal already 16 of the Season staring down toas Romero paraba converts Chicago fire blaze their way back into it Chicago goal scored in the 90th minute by number a 90th minute leveler and it's 22 entering stoppage time a brace for paba and in a match that for the lion share of the 90 minutes was controlled by New York City Chicago Fire showing no quit and have made this a completely different ball game as it's rolled ahead by Era had a toe on it and it's simply a goal kick you do get the sense this one not over just yet still four minutes and possibly four minutes of chaos if this match does not see a team pick up a goal in the final few minutes it will will head to a shootout for that second point which again given how close things are in the conference standings will Loom large Soro Glasco ran it out of play Lopez lost it back heill unsuccessful rosanski forced to play it back cizo here's Johnny Lopez byera cizo again turns of the Jets Maximo cizo goes to work just outside the area from his knees able to find rosanski back to rosanski dof able to knock it away here's Lopez to pop into the area zorio closes the window quickly and quite the tie up and a free kick awarded Mari Glasco two physical on Maxim Maximo cizo and is this the moment is this the winning [Music] moment czo the New York City native it was 2-n nycfc before Chicago Fire stormed back in the second half cizo leaves one into the [Music] area Lopez here's Tia elas caps forward clear away now Chicago look to counter here comes paraba a brace for him already Glasco dances inside back for paraba pabba tripped up they play the advantage held leaves it off to his right and it's given away cizo plays it along here comes the surging Andrew bayera bayera marked by De bayera cuts it inside leaves it back for Lopez cizo on his left leaves It Wide for tiao cizo elas rosanski alas once more Tia Shore why for cizo it's at the final minute of attic time is there a winner in store will'll be head to a shootout and it is taken away pabba finds Christian coffee coffee shoved down by Tia they play [Applause] on rosanski lifts one long bayera flag stays down bayera looking for Lopez muscles off of it by De physical defending from Jean de maybe maybe one last moment here for Chicago Fire Jeff G taking his time and there's the whistle we will head to a penalty shootout a stellar comeback in the second half by Chicago Fire after trailing 2-n for the Lion Share of this one before the 90th minute equalizer it was the 76 72nd minute goal that got them back into it and we end regulation at 22 a shootout after this on MLS next pro.com between Chicago Fire and nycfc the streets Here We Go Again marching to our own be if we to and pick it up again pick it up again it up again do at the end of regulation since the teams are tied on the scoreboard the match will extend to a shootout with each team having five attempts if the teams are tied after five attempts they will go to sudden death the shootout winner will receive an extra point in the regular season standings we are making your way to the shootout you get a look at the point system two points for the shootout win both teams are guaranteed at least one point though as we wind down in this one an Eastern Conference showdown between nework New York City and Chicago fired take a look back at the goals that we saw on this one was a wild matchup and we start things off in the first half this is when it was all smiles for New York City RS aralo will find a little crease inside the area and slott it home past Jeff Gul made it 1 nil in the early moments a little later on again it's Chris t trying to send one in this time it's the own goal courtesy of Jaylen Shannon but a second half that was a different story 72nd minute the three-headed monster of Glascow to Coffee to paraba connecting and paraba the Golden Boot leader is 16th of the Season then just before the 90th ozorio goes down edge of the area penalty kick granted and who else but David paba The Chicago Kid Nets his 17th of the Season adding to his Golden Boot lead and more importantly for this match and first team in general forcing extra time and guaranteeing his team at least one point as we showed you before two points for the shootout winner which is the draw and the additional point for the shootout win losing team of the shootout still gets one point as it stands Chicago Fire back into Fourth Place New York City in fifth place Chicago onepoint clear of New York City so with a New York City win New York City will move level into fourth place with Chicago with the Chicago win they will move they will remain in fourth place but now two points clear of nycfc and Chattanooga FC who also sit on 35 points this is the seventh time this season that Ludo tand side has made its way to a shootout in the prior six shootouts they are a whopping five and one meanwhile for New York City at Pilkington Squad shootout number six they are two and three in the prior five shootouts in fact Chicago with the five shootout victory that is good for the second most in the League this season only behind Chattanooga David pabba a brace in regulation and he will be the one to start things off in this shootout as Marie dur gives some last second explanations to thas Romero and Jeff Gul both of these Capers First Team guys with the second team tonight thrusted into the Limelight with this shootout paraba converted a PK in regulation and he finds the back to the net once more to open up the shootout PBA it has been his day it's been his half it's been his season frankly he starts his team off on the right foot now Pierro elos makes his approach staring down the 31-year-old Jeff Gaul a seasoned veteran in Net alos versus goal and elos kept it short sweet simple after one round it is New York City One Chicago one 1-1 through one rounds well Harold dorio was the one who won that penalty kick the tail end of regulation he'll spot it now the El Salvador International connects a 2-1 lead for Chicago Fire Chris Tia is a busy man of the first half very active working that Left Flank driving in crosses now the Randolph New Jersey native Ready's to wrap up round two of the shootout Tia slots it after well struck ball for Chris Tia and it's 2-2 through two rounds Romero guessed correctly didn't matter and here comes Christian Coffey coffee really with his insertion into this match flip the script working quickly on this kick and he finishes he is confident to say the least chrisan coffee and the Parisian puts his side back in front 3-2 so the pressure is on Samuel auu the Ganan homegrown signing he joined this Academy in 2016 while living in Yonkers he started every match since joining the club and he works lightning fast after three rounds it is New York City three Chicago three well that's a man who knows exactly what he's going to do when he steps to the spot no mind games there just spot it and Slot it and it's 33 through three rounds as Jean deuf looks to keep things rolling the sagales defender came on as a second half substitute de it's in there 43 these are perfectly placed balls that is just gorgeous Camille aam Ruiz as we wind down first five kicks this is number four in a major spot the second of substitute converted to PK last match and this time he does so again four four through four rounds round five this potentially the final round of the shootout as Amari Glasco makes his way to the spot native of Guyana a proven goal scorer a man who's played on big stages and has thrived Romero stands in his way no troubles and Chicago Fire a save away from a second Point Maximo cizo has the burden of trying to prolong this expectations through the roof for the young man just 16 years old signed a first team deal at 14 looking to keep the shootout alive and he does after five rounds is through five rounds it is 55 and these kicks have left these Keepers guessing and whiffing frankly another Keeper's been particularly close to making a save these have been perfectly placed shots as Chase Nagel makes his approach the 15-year-old from the Chicago fire academy round six underway with a Nagel conversion and once more the pressure's on New York City lovely hit from Nagel and this could be it Jake rosanski has to score to keep this thing going Jeff go STS in his way rosanski finishes after six rounds it is New York City 6 Chicago 66 through six rounds Here Comes Christopher CS as we enter round seven CS there's the [Music] Miss he lifted it cleared the crossbar and a window of opportunity for New York City to shut the door and claim an extra point and in doing so would move level on points into fourth place with Chicago Andrew bayera a homegrown player conceal it right here bayera it's in your final scort of Chicago 76 YK after blowing a two-on lead over the final 18 minutes New York City the baby blows pull out a second point and in doing so draw level into fourth place with Chicago Fire what a match a strong comeback by Chicago who are able to at least gonner a point from this one as we take a look at our Adidas man of the match and it's from the shootout Winning Side Ronald aralo he got things started early in this one ball that hopped its way around the area and it's aralo who buries it our Adidas man of the match he is the standout performer today for New York City as they move to 95 and six Chicago Fire 87 and seven once again the final score nycfc 2 Chicago Fire 2 New York City Victorious with a 7 to6 shootout win for our entire MLS next Pro broadcast crew my name is John gross big thanks to all of you for joining us you can watch MLS next Pro all season long on MLS season pass and Apple TV and MLS nextpro decom have a great night everybody this copyrighted broadcast of Major League Soccer may not be retransmitted reproduced or rebroadcast without the express written consent of Major League Soccer [Music] [Music]