NYCFC international duty update: November 2023

With the regular season and club friendlies behind them, New York City FC entered the long offseason break. However, two of the boys in blue were called up for international duty for the last time this year. It ended up being the right-backs: Tayvon Gray and Mitja Ilenič. The two participated in their final matches of the year.

How did the two NYCFC players fair during this international break?  

The NYCFC international duty update

Slovenia U-21- Mitja Ilenič

Ilenič continues his work with the Slovenian U-21 side for a qualification spot in the 2025 Under-21 Euros. They are second in Group H after winning three matches and losing once. However, Slovenia has already completed their group-stage matches for the year and only participated in a friendly against Turkey's U-21 during this international break. 

In this game, Ilenič got the start at right-back, playing until the 85th minute until he was subbed out for Nejc Ajhmajer. The 18-year-old has started all four matches for the Euro qualification, playing all 90 minutes in each game. Ilenic is still working his way to a senior call-up for Slovenia, for the NYCFC player has played for their youth team since 2020.  

Jamaica- Tayvon Gray

Gray got his first cap with the Jamaican national team in September against Honduras during the Nations League group stage. He was honored to get the call-up again for November’s window with a clash with Canada for a spot in the Copa America and the Nations League semifinals. Canada took the 2-1 win during the first leg, with Gray being an unused substitute on their home turf.  

However, Jamaica clawed back during the second leg in Toronto to take the 3-2 win and punch a spot for the 2024 Copa America. Gray came on for the injured Greg Leigh for some minutes on the pitch before the match ended. The result was exciting news for the NYCFC right-back. He could find himself playing in his second tournament, and truthfully, the more meaningful one, next summer.

Both players will now enjoy their offseason, along with the rest of their New York City FC teammates, and will report to preseason camp in January.