Can NYCFC II lead to success for NYCFC in MLS? | OneFootball

New York City FC has had some incredible academy players throughout the years. From the impressive 2018 U-19 team that included Gio Reyna, James Sands, and Joe Scally to producing other top-level talent like Tayvon Gray and most recently Jonathan Shore, the Pigeons have been fortunate to have some talented players join and grow up in the academy.

Then, the addition of NYCFC II and the MLS Next Pro league expands the development route for the first team. As mentioned, Shore, who played with what can be considered the second team, has had an early successful start with the first team since making his debut. He has been a part of NYCFC II since 2022 when he made his first professional debut.

Of course, the MLS Next Pro team and the league itself have only been around since 2022. But NYCFC II allows not just academy players to take the first step up professionally but also gives the young Homegrown players a chance to play during the season when minutes are far and few between in Major League Soccer. Plus, draft picks and local players who have potential and the ability to play in the league have signed as well.

NYCFC II can eventually help NYCFC

So, NYCFC is fortunate to have NYCFC II, and it might be possible that the team will be the stepping stone to lead to more young talents impacting the first team. The reason is simple. Many of the Homegrown players who played with the second team earned more success in the preseason. A few of the players have already made their debuts, and again, Shore has seen some success early on. The midfielder has played in four matches, starting two of them.

Moreover, playing for NYCFC II gives players professional experience. It can aid in their development and allows for improvement in a league that has pressure, but not the same amount as MLS has. More importantly, the team itself has improved over the last season. The Baby Pigeons failed to make the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, but made the playoffs in 2024 for the first time. They finished fifth and eighth in the Group A standings respectively during those first two years, but sixth last season.

Of course, the playoffs expanded each season, which is why NYCFC II made it last year. Still, the team has had some slow growth, earning their most points in 2024 with 45.

At the same time, the team has had a fast start to this season. They won twice and tied once after the first three games, leading to some hope that they will have an even better year in 2025. This should be the goal for NYCFC II. Team success can aid in individual success. If the MLS Next Pro team becomes a consistently top team in the league, then the Baby Pigeons can turn into the perfect stepping stone for MLS.

Just imagine if NYCFC II players make the jump to MLS and are consistently successful. This would help NYCFC where they can have more Homegrown players and expand their roster options. Ideally, the MLS Next Pro side will significantly help the MLS side down the road and for years to come.