Match Information
- New York Red Bulls II vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
- Sunday, April 12, 2015
- 4:00 p.m. EDT (WATCH: Live Stream available on NewYorkRedBulls.com/Live)
- #NYvWIL - Follow on Twitter @NYRBII
- Tickets
New York Red Bulls II host Wilmington Hammerheads FC in their third USL match of the season this Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. EDT at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. NYRB II is coming off its first win in club history last weekend, defeating Toronto FC II 4-1 after drawing their opening match against Rochester Rhinos 0-0. The Hammerheads have drawn their first two matches—both at home.
New York Red Bulls II
NYRB II (1-1-0), will look to continue its unbeaten ways against a Wilmington side who also has not yet lost in this young USL season. New York was unable to finish its chances in the opening match draw against Rochester, but changed that last weekend, exploding for four goals against Toronto FC II in a 4-1 victory.
Eleven Red Bulls first team players were loaned to the USL squad against Toronto FC II, and they dominated the game from the start with forward Anatole Abang finding the back of the net after only eight minutes. Defender Shawn McLaws scored the eventual game-winner in the 39th minute, which was enough to name him to the USL Team of the Week. Midfielders Marius Obekop and Leo Stolz both scored second half goals to cap off a comfortable first win for Red Bulls II.
NYRB II has prided themselves on defense in the first two matches, surrendering only one own goal in 180 minutes of play. Loaned first team goalkeeper Santiago Castano registered the first clean sheet in club history in the first match and Kyle Reynish, also on loan, was named team captain last week and allowed the one own goal.
Defenders Mike Da Fonte and Colin Heffron have started both matches for NYRB II and have held strong at the back with Heffron being named to the USL Team of the Week after the first match. New York is tied for first with Louisville City FC and Rochester Rhinos in goals allowed in USL play, with each team giving up just one goal apiece.
New York Red Bulls II currently sit in third place in the USL Eastern Conference standings with four points through two matches.
Wilmington Hammerheads FC
The Hammerheads (0-0-2), will be on the road for the first time this weekend, making the trip from North Carolina to Red Bull Arena. The club will take on the Richmond Kickers for the second time in two weeks on Friday night at City Stadium before traveling to New Jersey on Sunday.
Wilmington, the USL affiliates of MLS expansion side New York City FC, were founded in 1996 and have played competitively every year since, except for in 2010 when the club was on hiatus.
Wilmington is unbeaten in their first two matches as the Hammerheads drew the Kickers 2-2 in both team's opening match at Legion Stadium in Wilmington on March 28th. Midfielder Justin Moose scored a well-taken volley for the Hammerheads and was named to the USL Team of the Week for his efforts in the draw.
Former New York Red Bulls 2009 MLS SuperDraft third round pick Nick Zimmerman's penalty kick then saved a point for the Hammerheads in their 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independence last weekend.
Wilmington is held strong at the back by Jamaican international Andrae Campbell who has made seven appearances for the Reggae Boyz in his career.
With two points through two matches, Wilmington Hammerheads sit in ninth place in the USL Eastern Conference Standings heading into the weekend.
Kickoff on Sunday at Red Bull Arena is set for 4:00 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on NewYorkRedBulls.com/Live.
