The Herons lost a close encounter against New York City FC II 2-3 in the season finale.

In the closing fixture of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, Inter Miami CF II faced off against New York City FC II at DRV PNK Stadium on a Sunday afternoon, ultimately succumbing to a 2-3 defeat. This thrilling encounter witnessed standout performances, including a fourth-season goal by forward Miles Perkovich and a third-season goal by midfielder Felipe Valencia.

Photo & Graphic | Gasner Delvarin Jr

The two teams started the game in a back-and-forth, but Miami took the opportunity in the 16-minute when Perkovich got off a right-footed strike past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to open the score at 1-0.

However, NYCFC II quickly responded, leveling the score 1-1 in the 25-minute when forward John Denis unleashed a right-footed shot, assisted by Matt Myers, which found its mark.

Miami stormed into the second half as the Herons surged ahead, with Valencia, a second-half substitute, who notched the team's second goal in the 48-minute. He placed a left-footed strike in the upper left corner of an assist from Pymm, marking his professional career debut.

In a dramatic turn of events, NYCFC II earned a penalty just minutes later, equalizing the score at 2-2 as Matt Myers calmly converted the spot-kick.

Despite Miami's high intensity of play, the visitors struck back, retaking the lead in the 70-minute as Denis secured his second goal.

The score persisted until the final whistle, with NYCFC II clinching a 2-3 victory.

Inter Miami II concluded the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro campaign with five wins, 17 losses, and 6 draws.