TFC REPUBLIC

TFC 2 report: Young Reds come from behind to beat NYCFC II

John Molinaro -
TFC Republic is on a free trial this week, so please enjoy this story and many more that will come out from behind the paywall until Sunday, Sept. 15.

You can subscribe to TFC Republic by CLICKING HERE, or by clicking on the subscribe button on the home page. A monthly subscription costs just $8, while a yearly subscription is $50 (a savings of 48%).

In a regular series at TFC Republic, we'll look at TFC 2 and how the club is progressing through the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.

Why is TFC 2 so important in the grand scheme of things? TFC 2 has proven to be an invaluable part of Toronto FC's developmental system, as it’s usually where the best youth academy products play prior to signing with the senior team.

A lot of notable former and current Toronto FC players cut their teeth with TFC 2 before making their MLS debuts, including Ayo Akinola, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Kosi Thompson, Alex Bono, and Jayden Nelson.

In 2023, defender Kobe Franklin, midfielder Alonso Coello and goalkeeper Luka Gavran signed with the senior team from TFC 2.

Here's this week's TFC 2 report:

TFC 2 beats New York in penalty shootout

TFC 2 came from behind to earn a penalty shootout win on the road against New York City FC II on Wednesday evening.

The hosts took the lead through Matthew Leong in the 80th minute. But Toronto equalized just three minutes later when Julian Altobelli converted a penalty.

With the game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes of regulation, the teams headed to a penalty shootout which the Young Reds won 4-3 after six rounds at Icahn Stadium. TFC 2 ended up earning an extra point in the shootout victory.

TFC 2 (8-10-6) sits 12th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, four spots and seven points behind Chicago Fire FC II who hold down the final playoff berth in the East.

New & notes: Julian Altobelli extends scoring streak

  • Captain Julian Altobelli has scored in seven consecutive matches for TFC 2, eclipsing a club record set by Jordan Hamilton in 2018. 
  • This was TFC 2's first win in six games that went to a penalty shootout this season. 
  • Toronto FC academy defender Stefan Kapor made his first appearance for TFC 2, becoming the 15th player to make his Young Reds debut during the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.

James Grossi's view

James Grossi is the foremost authority on TFC 2, having covered the team in an in-depth fashion for several years.

TFC Republic spoke to Grossi about TFC 2's win over New York, the playoff race, and more.

Listen to the full audio clip below: 

TFC Republic interview with James Grossi
0:00
/615.957333

James Grossi is a Toronto based writer who operates Unattached FC, a website dedicated to covering Canadian soccer. Follow James on Twitter.

What's next for TFC 2?

TFC 2 returns to action when they host New York City FC II at York Lions Stadium on Sunday (3:00 p.m. ET/Apple TV).

(Top photo courtesy of Toronto FC)

TFC Republic has a comments section! At the very bottom of every story, there is a feature where you can post your comments, so be sure to share your thoughts and views.

TORONTO FC TICKET DISCOUNT FOR TFC REPUBLIC SUBSCRIBERS!

TFC Republic subscribers can get up to a 25% discount on ticket prices for Toronto FC home games.

To receive the special promo code, email me at To receive the special promo code, email me at jmo1897@gmail.com

(Please don't share promo code with non-TFC Republic subscribers).