Match Information
- New York Red Bulls II (25 points, sixth place) vs. Richmond Kickers (29 points, fourth place)
- Saturday, July 25, 2015
- Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
- 4 p.m. EDT (WATCH: Live stream available on NewYorkRedBulls.com/Live)
- #NYvRIC – Follow on Twitter: @NYRBII
New York Red Bulls II take the pitch again this weekend against Richmond Kickers after the NYRB II players joined the First Team and defeated Chelsea FC in the International Champions Cup, 4-2. In total, 15 regular NYRB II players made their First Team debuts against Chelsea.
Franklin Castellanos, a Red Bulls Academy product, opened the scoring for the Red Bulls against their English counterparts. In the 51st minute, Castellanos jumped on a John Terry back pass and smothered goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to create an open net, into which he slotted away his chance, his second career professional goal and first with the Red Bulls.
WATCH: The 91st Minute with Sean Davis and Tyler Adams
Moments later, Castellanos was at it again, this time linking up with 16-year old midfielder Tyler Adams. Castellanos gained possession on the right side of the box and spotted Adams making a central run. Castellanos successfully placed his cross on the forehead of Adams, who headed home the go-ahead goal, 2-1. The Red Bulls never looked back from there, earning a 4-2 win.
In total, 15 players made their First Team debut: RBNY First Team Debuts: Santiago Castano, Shawn McLaws, Jamie Thomas, Bolu Akinyode, Leo Stolz, Victor Manosalvas, Konrad Plewa, Mike Da Fonte, Chris Tsonis, Dan Metzger, Tyler Adams, Devon Williams, Daniel Bedoya, Franklin Castellanos, Colin Heffron
READ: MATCH RECAP: New York Red Bulls 4, Chelsea Football Club 2
In their last USL regular season match, Red Bulls II won an important six-pointer on the road against Harrisburg City Islanders, 2-0. The victory propelled NYRB II above the red line in the Eastern Conference and provided some breathing room between themselves and the non-playoff teams.
Leo Stolz, who earned USL Team of the Weekhonors for his performance against the Islanders, opened the scoring when he smashed home a rocket from the top of the 18-yard box.
Not five minutes later, Daniel Bedoya scored the first professional goal of his career when Victor Manosalvas delivered a long through ball. Bedoya calmly finished the chance and solidified the 2-0 victory.
This is the third and final regular season meeting between NYRB II and Richmond Kickers. The Kickers have won both of the last two fixtures. Brian Ownby, who has scored once in both games against Red Bulls II, will miss the match due to injury. Instead, Red Bulls II will need to limit scoring chances for Matthew Delicate (6 goals), George Davis IV (5 goals) and Jason Yeisley (5 goals), who are all proven goal threats.
SUSPENDED AFTER NEXT YELLOW: Mike Da Fonte and Daniel Bedoya, NYRB II; Samuel Asante, Richmond Kickers
SUSPENDED: none
