Toronto FC II (10W-9L-5T, 36 points) recorded a commanding 3-0 victory over the visiting New York City FC II (8W-10L-6T, 32 points) on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of Nathaniel Edwards’ opener and a brace from Markus Cimermancic brace at York Lions Stadium.
TFC II Head Coach Gianni Cimini made seven changes from the starting lineup that earned two points against Philadelphia Union II on August 20. Mark Fisher, Ythallo, Lazar Stefanovic, Malik Henry, Lucas Olguin, Markus Cimermancic and Dékwon Barrow came into the side for Reid Fisher, Stefan Kapor, Richard Chukwu, Tim Fortier, Antone Bossenberry, Michael Sullivan and Joshua Nugent.
Gianni Cimini marked his 100th match as Head Coach of Toronto FC II in the MLS NEXT Pro matchup, becoming the first in club history to reach the milestone. Prior to kick-off, Cimini, currently in his fourth season with the Young Reds, was recognized in a special presentation with members of the Toronto FC Front Office and his family.
The Young Reds capitalized on a fast start at home and took the lead midway through the half, as Nathaniel Edwards side-footed home after a clever run and cutback from Hassan Ayari on the left wing.
The 23rd minute opener marked Nathaniel Edwards’ fifth goal contribution (three goals, two assists) and Hassan Ayari’s tenth (six goals, four assists) of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
TFC II doubled their advantage two minutes into the restart, as a give-and-go between Markus Cimermancic and Lazar Stefanovic set up Cimermancic, who turned and slotted a well-placed left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The 47th minute effort marked Cimermancic’s third goal of the campaign and Stefanovic’s first assist for TFC II.
The hosts added a third goal twenty minutes later, as Lucas Olguin neatly set up Markus Cimermancic, who calmly converted his second clever finish of the afternoon.
The 68th minute goal marked Cimermancic’s first brace for TFC II and Olguin’s first assist of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Cimermancic’s second goal capped a commanding display, as the Young Reds secured all three points with the 3-0 win and a clean sheet at York Lions Stadium.
TFC II hit the road next to face the New England Revolution II on Friday, September 12. Kick-off from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts is set for 1:00 p.m. ET and will be available to watch globally on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Scoring Summary:
TOR – Nathaniel Edwards 23’ (Hassan Ayari)
TOR – Markus Cimermancic 47’ (Lazar Stefanovic)
TOR – Markus Cimermancic 68’ (Lucas Olguin)
Misconduct Summary:
NYC – Sebastiano Musu 26’ (caution)
NYC – Piero Elias 35’ (caution)
TOR – Lazar Stefanovic 62’ (caution)
TOR – Costa Iliadis 90’ (caution)
Lineups:
TORONTO FC II – Adisa De Rosario; Mark Fisher (C) (Reid Fisher 64’), Ythallo, Lazar Stefanovic; Malik Henry, Marko Stojadinovic, Lucas Olguin (Patrick McDonald 78’), Markus Cimermancic, Nathaniel Edwards (Costa Iliadis 83’); Hassan Ayari (Michael Sullivan 78’), Dékwon Barrow (Jahmarie Nolan 65’)
Substitutes Not Used: Shafique Wilson, Micah Chisholm, Elijah Roche, Joseph Melto Quiah
NEW YORK CITY FC II – Alex Rando; Drew Baiera, Max Murray, Prince Amponsah, Christopher Tian-Long Tiao (C); Peter Molinari, Evan Lim, Luka Sunjic (Julien Lacher 66’), Máximo Carrizo, Piero Elias (Eligio Guarino 82’); Sebastiano Musu (James Bilden 82’)
Substitutes Not Used: Mac Learned, Brennan Klein, Pierce Infuso, Jack Loura, Lucas De Pinho
MEDIA NOTES
- Markus Cimermancic scored his first brace for Toronto FC II.
- Lazar Stefanovic recorded his first assist for TFC II.
- Lucas Olguin registered his first assist of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
- Adisa De Rosario recorded a league-leading seventh clean sheet of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
- Gianni Cimini marked his 100th match as Head Coach of Toronto FC II, becoming the first in club history to reach the milestone.
