HARRISON, N.J. (May 3, 2015) – New York Red Bulls II claimed its second win of the season in dramatic fashion thanks to an injury time game-winning goal from Anthony Wallace. Red Bulls II opened the scoring in the 6th minute on an own goal when Manolo Sanchez’s cross was deflected into the net by Pittsburgh defender Fejiro Okiomah. The Riverhounds responded quickly with the equalizer in the 8th minute on a Rob Vincent goal, but Sanchez headed in for NYRB II in the 66th minute to re-gain the lead. Pittsburgh’s Vincent notched scored again to tie the game and Wallace buried the goal to clinch the three points in the 93rd minute with a left-footed rocket from just outside the area to win the game, 3-2.
The first half started quickly with two early goals from each team inside of the first 10 minutes. Red Bulls II were the first on the scoresheet in part to an own goal from Pittsburgh. Sanchez charged down the right wing and sent a low, dangerous ball into the box. In a sliding attempt to break up the pass, Okiomah instead deflected the ball into the back of the net to put NYRB II ahead early.
The Riverhounds responded two minutes later with the equalizer when Kevin Kerr gained possession in space on the right side of New York’s penalty box. Kerr spotted Vincent making a run into the box and delivered his cross. Vincent slammed home his chance from the penalty spot on the volley to level the match, 1-1.
A balanced midfield battle ensued between the sides, with no chances for either club until the 31st minute. Dan Bedoya gained possession in the final third, beat the defender and was hauled down inches outside of the area. MLS loanee Anthony Wallace took the free kick, but he blasted his chance into the wall. Dan Metzger was on the receiving end of the deflection just outside of the box, but his shot was pulled high and out of play.
Red Bulls II re-gained the lead in the 66th minute thanks to Sanchez, his first goal of the season. The play started when Dan Bedoya delivered a long cross-field pass to McLaws, who located Sanchez charging into the box. McLaws placed his cross perfectly on the forehead of Sanchez, who headed home New York’s second goal. Pittsburgh drew level for a second time, once again thanks to Vincent. Kerr received a pass just outside the box and teed up an open Vincent, who blasted a low shot from the top of the 18-yard box into the lower right hand corner past Santiago Castano to secure his brace.
As full-time drew near, Sanchez had a chance for a second goal in the final minute of the match when he beat goalkeeper Ryan Thompson running down the left side of the box. With only one defender to beat on the line, Sanchez attempted a chip which deflected off of the crossbar and was cleared from danger by the Riverhounds.
Four minutes of stoppage time were announced and late dramatics ensued.
New York pushed forward, throwing numbers up-field to press for one final goal. The opportunity arose when a headed ball fell to Wallace just left of the penalty arc. He calmly settled the ball, lowered his head and smashed a bullet across the face of goal into the side-netting to provide Red Bulls II its third lead of the match.
Pittsburgh battled for an equalizer in the final moments of the match and nearly found a third goal. A shot in the dying seconds of the match beat Castano, but Andrew Jean-Baptiste was properly positioned to clear the shot off the line and solidify the victory for Red Bulls II.
With the win, Red Bulls II improves to 2-3-2 on the season.
Scoring Summary
- NY: Fejiro Okiomah (Own Goal) 6’
- PGH: Rob Vincent 8’
- NY: Manolo Sanchez 66’
- PGH: Rob Vincent 84’
- NY: Anthony Wallace 90+’
Discipline Summary
- PGH: Matt Dallman, Caution 30’
- PGH: Anthony Arena, Caution 72’
Lineups
NY: Santiago Castano, Shawn McLaws (Jamie Thomas, 71’) , Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Mike Da Fonte, Anthony Wallace, Dan Metzger, Konrad Plewa (Kyle Zajec, 80’) , Leo Stolz (Derrick Etienne, 46’) , Manolo Sanchez, Chris Tsonis (Juan Sebastian Sanchez, 74’) , Dan Bedoya (Marius Obekop, 67’)
Unused Subs: Rafael Diaz, Bolu Akinyode
PGH: Ryan Thompson, Anthony Arena, Fejiro Okiomah, Willie Hunt, Matt Dallman (Lebo Moloto, 60’) , Michael Green, Stephen Okai (Tyler Pasher, 42’) , Danny Earls, Vinni Dantas (Miro Cabrilo, 79’) , Rob Vincent (Anthony Virgara, 84’) , Kevin Kerr
Unused Subs: Ryan Hulings, Sterling Flunders, Drew Russell
