New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

New York City II welcome FC Cincinnati II to Belson Stadium for an MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash that already feels important in the early-season battle for positioning in the Eastern Conference and the Northeast Division. With both sides sitting in the bottom half of their conference table, this is the kind of fixture that can swing momentum and reshape expectations for the months ahead.

The standings underline the stakes. New York City II have 12 points from 9 matches, while FC Cincinnati II trail on 9 points from 10 games. The hosts are stronger at home and will see this as a prime opportunity to consolidate their position in the Northeast Division and pull further clear of a Cincinnati side that has struggled badly on the road.

For FC Cincinnati II, this trip is about stopping the slide away from home and proving they can translate decent home form into results on their travels. Given the history between these two sides in MLS Next Pro, and the tight comparison in attacking and defensive metrics, this match sets up as one of the more intriguing New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II predictions on the Group Stage slate.

New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II Key Stats

• New York City II have taken 12 points from 9 league games, with 11 goals scored and 16 conceded.
• In their most recent meeting on 13 April 2026 in MLS Next Pro Group Stage, FC Cincinnati II beat New York City II 1-0 at NKU Soccer Stadium.
• New York City II matches this season are averaging 1.3 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per game across home and away, while FC Cincinnati II are averaging 1.2 scored and 1.9 conceded.

New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 6 vs 7
• Points: 12 vs 9
• Goals For: 11 vs 12
• Goals Against: 16 vs 19
• Clean Sheets: 0 vs 2

The season record shows New York City II slightly ahead in the standings, with 12 points from 9 matches compared to FC Cincinnati II’s 9 from 10. New York City II have been more efficient at turning performances into points, despite a negative goal difference of -5, identical to Cincinnati’s -7 in terms of defensive vulnerability.

New York City II’s home record in the league is encouraging: 3 wins and 1 defeat from 4, with 5 goals scored and 8 conceded. FC Cincinnati II, by contrast, have been heavily reliant on home comforts. All 3 of their wins have come at home, while they have lost all 5 away games, scoring just 2 goals and conceding 12. That away form, combined with New York City II’s strong home return, tilts the balance towards the hosts even before factoring in the prediction metrics.

New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II Key Matchups

New York City II attack vs FC Cincinnati II defence

New York City II’s attacking output has been modest but consistent: 12 goals in 9 league fixtures, with an average of 1.5 goals per game at home. Their biggest home win has been by a 2-1 margin, and their overall attacking profile suggests they are capable of scoring in most situations, having failed to score only 3 times across home and away.

They face an FC Cincinnati II defence that has conceded 19 goals in 10 matches. The away numbers are particularly concerning: 12 conceded in 5 road games at an average of 2.4 per match. Cincinnati’s defensive record also shows they have allowed goals in 8 of 10 games overall, and their biggest away defeat has been 4-0. This matchup heavily favours New York City II, especially given their home scoring average and Cincinnati’s poor away record.

FC Cincinnati II attack vs New York City II defence

On the other side, FC Cincinnati II’s attack has been split starkly between home and away. They have scored 10 goals in 5 home games (2.0 per match) but just 2 in 5 away outings (0.4 per match). Their best attacking display came in a 5-0 home win, underlining their potential when conditions suit.

New York City II’s defence, however, has been leaky. They have conceded 17 goals in 9 fixtures across all venues, with 8 of those in 4 home games (2.0 per match). They have yet to keep a clean sheet, and their biggest home defeat was a 5-0 loss. This suggests that while New York City II are favourites, there is still scope for FC Cincinnati II to create chances, especially if the hosts’ defensive lapses continue.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

The head-to-head history in MLS Next Pro is rich, with these sides meeting regularly since 2022. The pattern is competitive, with both teams enjoying spells of dominance. Across the most recent clashes, New York City II have often been strong at Belson Stadium, while FC Cincinnati II have landed blows at home and even taken penalty shootout wins after draws.

• 13 April 2026: FC Cincinnati II 1-0 New York City II (MLS Next Pro Group Stage)
• 6 July 2025: FC Cincinnati II 2-2 New York City II (MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 22, FC Cincinnati II won 5-4 on penalties)
• 9 April 2025: New York City II 2-2 FC Cincinnati II (MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 6, FC Cincinnati II won 5-3 on penalties)
• 30 September 2024: New York City II 3-1 FC Cincinnati II (MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 40)
• 7 July 2024: FC Cincinnati II 1-1 New York City II (MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 23, New York City II won 4-3 on penalties)

New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II Prediction

Analysis points to a finely balanced contest, but one that leans towards the hosts. New York City II’s league form string of “WLWLW” indicates inconsistency, yet their home record is strong, and they come into this fixture with better recent form metrics than their visitors. FC Cincinnati II’s league form of “LLWWL” shows they are capable of putting wins together, but their away record this season — 5 defeats from 5, with just 2 goals scored — is a major red flag.

Head-to-head, FC Cincinnati II took the most recent meeting 1-0 at home, and they have also twice prevailed on penalties after draws. However, New York City II have a strong historical record at Belson Stadium against this opponent, including a 3-1 win on 30 September 2024. The prediction metrics give New York City II and the draw a combined 90% chance, with just 10% for an away win, underlining how heavily the numbers back the hosts not to lose. With both teams averaging around 1.2–1.3 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per match, a tight, relatively low-scoring game is likely.

Predicted Score: New York City II 1-1 FC Cincinnati II

New York City II League Form

WLWLW

FC Cincinnati II League Form

LLWWL

New York City II Possible Starting Lineup

Goalkeepers: B. Klein, M. Learned, D. McDermott, T. Romero; Defenders: K. Acito, A. Baiera, A. Campos, Nico Cavallo, J. Lopez, E. Martin, Maxwell Murray, D. Randazzo, K. Smith; Midfielders: Jacob Arroyave, M. Carrizo, D. Duque, C. Flax, D. Kerr, P. Molinari, Musu, K. Pierre, J. Ponce, Arnau Rabassa, J. Shore, J. Suchecki, L. Sunjic, U. Zeitz, G. de Souza; Forwards: C. Danquah, L. De Pinho, A. Farnos, H. Hvatum, M. Jones, S. Reid, E. Samb.

New York City II have a deep squad with multiple goalkeepers and a broad mix of young defenders and midfielders. The presence of several attackers such as C. Danquah, M. Jones and E. Samb gives the coaching staff options to vary their front line, while a large midfield group allows for flexibility between a more possession-based setup and a more direct approach. With no listed absences, they should be able to select a strong, balanced XI at Belson Stadium.

FC Cincinnati II Possible Starting Lineup

Goalkeepers: L. Broz, C. Dale, B. Dowd, Fabian Mrozek, D. Paz; Defenders: A. Chirila, G. DeHart, D. Hurtado, A. Ibrahim, W. Kuisel, S. Lachekar, A. Lajhar, D. Lester, M. Miazga, Felix Samson; Midfielders: A. Chavez, N. Gassan, G. Granda, N. Gray, J. Mize, Y. Ramos, S. Sanchez, C. Sphire, M. Sullivan; Forwards: Stefan Chirila, C. Holmes, G. Marioni, D. Mosquera, C. Niang, L. Orejarena, R. Schlotterbeck, M. Vazquez.

FC Cincinnati II’s squad combines experienced figures like M. Miazga with a host of younger defenders and attackers. The attacking unit, featuring options such as Stefan Chirila, C. Holmes and M. Vazquez, has shown it can be potent at home, but the challenge is translating that threat into away fixtures. With multiple goalkeepers and a deep defensive pool, they have the personnel to tighten up at the back, but their tactical approach on the road will be under scrutiny given the current away record.

New York City II Team News

No significant absences reported.

FC Cincinnati II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

New York City II:

• None reported.

FC Cincinnati II:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: New York City II or Draw (Double Chance). The prediction metrics give the hosts a 45% chance to win and the draw another 45%, with only 10% for an away victory. Coupled with New York City II’s strong home record and FC Cincinnati II’s five straight away defeats, backing the hosts not to lose looks the most sensible result angle. (No odds data available.)
• Goals Tip: Under 2.5 Total Goals. Both sides average around 1.2–1.3 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per game, and the advice suggests a cautious goals expectation. Recent head-to-head meetings have included tight scorelines such as 1-0 and multiple 2-2 draws, but with Cincinnati’s weak away attack (0.4 goals per away game) this could easily stay relatively low scoring. (No odds data available.)
• Value Tip: Both Teams to Score – Yes. Despite Cincinnati’s away struggles, neither team has been solid defensively, with both conceding 1.9 goals per match on average and New York City II yet to keep a clean sheet. Previous meetings have often seen both sides find the net, including 3-1, 2-2 and 1-1 scorelines, so BTTS offers an alternative angle for those expecting an open contest. (No odds data available.)

How to Watch New York City II vs FC Cincinnati II

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

• Spain: Movistar LaLiga
• UK: Premier Sports
• Australia: beIN Sports
• India: FanCode
• MENA: beIN Sports
• South America: ESPN / Disney+
• Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.