Match Preview

MATCH PREVIEW: NYRBII Hit the Road for Second New York Derby of the Season Against NYCFC II

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New York City FC II vs. New York Red Bulls II

Belson Stadium – Jamaica, N.Y.

Sunday, June 11 – 7:00 p.m. ET

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

#NYCvNY

JAMAICA, N.Y. (June 11, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (6-3-3, 23 pts.) hit the road to face New York City FC II (6-3-1 19 pts.) at Belson Stadium. Kickoff of the second New York Derby of the season is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and coverage is available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV.

New York is coming off their largest offensive output of the season after putting up four goals against New England Revolution II in a 4-1 victory at MSU Soccer Park. With Julian Hall, Oladayo Thomas, Ronald Donkor, and Ibrahim Kasule all getting on the scoresheet, Sunday’s match marked the first time the club has had four separate goal scorers in a match since September of 2020.

After a thrilling comeback last week over Huntsville, NYCFC II is headed into today’s match in great form. New York City went down 3-0 in the 35th minute and managed to score four unanswered to win the match in regulation. Two second half goals by Matt Myers led the way for the club’s sixth victory on the season.

Last time out between these two clubs, Red Bulls II grabbed all three points in a 2-0 victory at home. Elias Manoel and Frank Ssebufu notched the two goals for New York, and Red Bulls Academy product Alan Rutkowski recorded his first professional clean sheet.

Red Bulls II have continued their run of matches with high offensive output, scoring eight goals over the past three matches. Ibrahim Kasule has been in incredible form over those three games, having been on the scoresheet in all of them. With three goals and an assist in that timespan, Kasule quickly moved up into a four-way tie with Oladayo Thomas, Ricardo Gorday, and Wiki Carmona for the club lead in goals this season.

New York has consistently been top 5 in the league in least goals allowed and are currently sitting at third, having only conceded 12 times in 12 matches. Goalkeeping has been key to this defensive dominance, with A.J. Marcucci and Alan Rutkowski combining for the highest save percentage out of any club in MLS NEXT Pro this season. The club is also tied for the league lead in clean sheets with five.

The II’s have had a solid year on the road up to this point, having come back with points in every single road match except one against Orlando. New York’s 2-1-2 record has made them a real threat on the road, and the squad will look to continue that success just 40 miles away in Queens.

Coverage is available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV.