NYCFC news roundup: NYCFC II and international call ups

After the first month, New York City FC sits toward the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference. As always, that means plenty of news can be covered.

Here is the latest edition of the NYCFC news roundup.

The NYCFC news roundup: The MLS Next Pro side and international duty

NYCFC II's season has begun

NYCFC II began their season over the weekend against Inter Miami CF II. The MLS Next Pro team lost 3-2 after a late goal in the 83rd minute.

Notably, some Homegrown and first-team players were in the Starting XI. They include, but are not limited to, Andrew Baiera, Tomás Romero, and Jonathan Shore. It was actually Shore who scored the first goal of the MLS Next Pro season for the Pigeons.

It is expected that NYCFC II will be utilized more for the younger players within the club. The team will hopefully aid in the development of some of the Homegrown talents and signings who cannot get much time with the first team.

NYCFC is without multiple players due to international duty

When NYCFC plays FC Cincinnati this weekend, they will be without numerous players due to international duty. Mounsef Bakrar received his first call up to Algeria, Tayvon Gray will suit up for Jamaica, Mitja Ilenič will join the U-21 team for Slovenia, Tomás Romero will be with El Salvador, and Jovan Mijatović will be with the U-19 side of Serbia. Plus, Christian McFarlane will be with England's U-17 side. However, the young homegrown plays predominantly with NYCFC II.

As such, NYCFC will be without their main right-backs and two strikers. This is extremely concerning, especially the lack of a center-forward. This is just a strong reason why the Pigeons should have signed another striker for depth.

In addition, they will be on the road this weekend, and the struggles away from home have continued into 2024. Winning already felt like a long shot regardless of who was available. Now, it feels like an impossible feat.