Montclair, N.J. – New York Red Bulls II represented their MLS father-club proudly with a 5-1 win over Hudson Valley Hammers to advance to the second round of the US Open Cup on Wednesday night at MSU Soccer Park. A three-goal second half is what set the team apart, along with a roster of young players looking to prove themselves on the largest professional stage many of these players have participated on.
It was a cold night in Montclair, however Red Bulls II still played their usual pressing style, forcing the Hammers into early fouls. Once such foul took place in the 12th minute when Dylan Evande brought down a New York player just outside the box, leading the referee to show a straight red card. From there the Red Bulls plucked away until finding the opening goal in the 17th minute. Mohammed Sofo passed the ball into the box, finding the foot of Dylan Sullivan in front of goal to open the scoring. Sofo got onto the scoreboard himself in the 43rd minute, burying a rebound off the Hammers keeper.
New York continued to pour on the pressure in the second half, finding the third goal in the 63rd minute when younster Aiden James cut into the box and took a shot through traffic that beat the keeper. Two more goals from Malick Dembele in the 83rd minute and Ibrahim Kasule in stoppage time sealed the game away. The Hammers did get one back in the 79th minute to take a small consolation prize from the effort.
The second round of the cup will continue with more games on Thursday, then another draw will see who Red Bulls II will play in the second round. Teams like NYCFC II, Hartford Athletic and FC Motown could be potential opponents.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls II: Stokes; Valencia, Alexandre, Gutierrez, Berkley (57′ Mina), Estrela (70′ Mehmeti), Jarvis, Kasule, Sullivan, Sserwadda, Sofo (69′ Dembele)
Hudson Valley Hammers: Ruiz; Powder, Ramos, Evande, Heanue (45′ Makaj), Wyant (45′ Guerra), La Gamba, Neto, Maxariego (45′ Guerra), Peterson (45′ Vieira), Canales (19′ Molina)
SCORING SUMMARY:
17′ (New York Red Bulls II) Dylan Sullivan assisted by Mohammed Sofo
43′ (New York Red Bulls II) Mohammed Sofo unassisted
63′ (New York Red Bulls II) Aiden Jarvis assisted by Bento Estrela
83′ (New York Red Bulls II) Malick Dembele assisted by Steven Sserwadda
79′ (Hudson Valley Hammers) Israel Neto unassisted
90′ (New York Red Bulls II) Ibrahim Kasule unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
12′ (Hudson Valley Hammers) Dylan Evande – RED CARD
26′ (Hudson Valley Hammers) Antonio La Gamba – YELLOW CARD
90′ (New York Red Bulls II) Davi Alexandre – YELLOW CARD
Recap: Red Bulls II Advance in US Open Cup
