Later today, New York City FC II returns to action for its third season in MLS NEXT Pro, playing its opening match in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. against Inter Miami CF II.
Matt Pilkington is back as head coach and will be looking to get the young II squad into the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs for the first time on his third attempt. NYCFC II missed qualifying for the 2023 NEXT Pro playoffs by a mere one point, so a playoff breakthrough has to be on the club's mind.
Pilkington's NYCFC II will look different in 2024. The club and entire league's leading goal-scorer, striker MD Myers, was sold to USL Championship club Charleston Battery during the offseason. Other key contributors in past seasons have also parted with the team this offseason, so there will be a new look to NYCFC II in 2024.
More than ever, following this year's II squad will mean following the early professional progress made by the recent crop of teenagers NYCFC has signed to Homegrown contracts.
Just how ready is that group of promising teens, and how will this reworked, young roster fare in an increasingly competitive MLS NEXT Pro? Let's run through some of the big changes, key players, and things to watch as NYCFC II starts its season.
