Toronto FC II earned its first three points of the inaugural season during its home-opening match against New York City FC II at York Lions Stadium in Toronto on a chilly Sunday afternoon. A 5-minute brace by Hugo Mbongue led the team to a 3-1 victory over the visiting team, who are at three consecutive matches without a win in the inaugural MLS NXT Pro season.
While most of the first half was controlled by the Boys in Blue, a goal by Paul Rothrock right at the end of the first half whistle gave the team led by Gianni Cimini confidence.
In the second half, NYCFC II reacted, and Jack Beer tied the match in the 56th-minute off a left-footed shot. However, it wasn't enough to take back control of the game.
The visiting side allowed the home team's offensive to grow stronger, and 17-year-old striker Hugo Mbongue became the difference-maker after scoring two back-to-back goals in the 75th and 80th minute.
The Story: Hugo Mbongue scores brace in first-ever Toronto FC II home-opening match
17-year-old Hugo Mbongue, a young promise from Toronto’s Youth Academy, led Toronto FC II to their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro victory.
Mbongue has been playing soccer since as early as 3-years-old and has had the opportunity to play with Canada’s U-15 team in the 2019 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship. He scored a hat-trick against El Salvador and a lone goal against Mexico during the tournament.
The Toronto native also saw minutes with the first team during its 2022 preseason, where he scored the equalizing goal in an exhibition match against Sporting Kansas City in February.
Mbongue is not far behind from following the steps of his older brother Ralph Mbongue, who is a 19-year-old midfielder led by coach Bob Bradley.
This shows the importance of a league like MLS NEXT Pro for the development of these up-and-coming stars, which could lead to two brothers defending the same jersey.
