New York Red Bulls II continue their mid-season woes with a hard-fought but tough loss to New England Revolution II on Sunday afternoon, 2-1, at Beirne Stadium. New England pressured the young reigning MLS Next Pro champions, scoring twice in the first half just before the whistle. Moves from head coach Dominik Wohlert did help the Baby Bulls draw closer but they were unable to find the equalizer to steal a share of the points.
Most of the first half saw New England dominate possession and keep the ball away from the speedier threats on Red Bull’s lineup. An attempt in the 19th minute from Revs defender Gabriel Dahlin, forced Austin Causey into a diving save. From there, New England continued the pressure, winning second balls and keeping Red Bull from winning in high-press moments. The visitors did manage to work their way into the game late in the half as the momentum began shift. That turn was halted in the 38th minute when Damario McIntosh played the ball to Myles Morgan who pulled back before shooting past Causey for New England’s first goal of the game.
The lead was doubled in stoppage time when a midfield giveaway saw Red Bull goalkeeper Causey caught off his line. Javaun Mussenden was able to take a left-footed shot from outside the box to double the lead into the empty net. Red Bull went into the half knowing that they needed changes and head coach Wohlert was quick to provide them. Christian Gallagher, Dennis Nelich and Deven Cadigan entered the game in an attempt to provide some spark.
New England fell into a more defensive shell in the second half, allowing Red Bull to build into the game. They found their opening in the 64th minute when Aimar Model took the ball into the right side of the 16 yard box before passing it in front of goal. Gallagher redirected it into the net, cutting the Revs’ lead in half. Red Bull continued to push on, including efforts from Benjamin Rodriguez, Dennis Gjengaar and Nelich who were all unable to hit the target.
The loss is the club’s fourth in their last five games and five straight without a win in regulation time. The recent run of form has dropped New York into 10th place with the club returning home to MSU Soccer Park on Sunday against Toronto FC II on Sunday.
STARTING XI:
Red Bull New York II: Causey; Modelo, Sanchez, Bori (86′ Simmons), Faello, Rodriguez, Kone (46′ Cadigan), Worth, Baitinger (46′ Nelich), Jimenez (46′ Gallagher), Sokoloff (69′ Gjengaar)
New England Revolution II: Weinstein; McIntosh, Dahlin, Shannon, Smith, Oyirwoth, Mussenden, Zambrano (79′ Buck), Sigueira, Morgan (94′ George), Wells (90′ Sasaki)
SCORING SUMMARY:
38′ (New England Revolution II) Myles Morgan (5) assisted by Damario McIntosh
46′ (New England Revolution II) Javaun Mussenden (1) unassisted
64′ (Red Bull New York II) Christian Gallagher (3) assisted by Aimar Modelo & Aimar Sanchez
DISCIPLINE:
7′ (Red Bull New York II) Sekou Kone – YELLOW CARD
37′ (Red Bull New York II) Nate Worth – YELLOW CARD
47′ (Red Bull New York II) Dennis Nelich – YELLOW CARD
55′ (Red Bull New York II) Aimar Sanchez – YELLOW CARD
60′ (New England Revolution II) Myles Morgan -YELLOW CARD
85′ (New England Revolution II) Joe Buck – YELLOW CARD
86′ (New England Revolution II) Jared Smith – YELLOW CARD
photo from New York Red Bull II