Newport, KY. (July 23, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (9-6-4, 33 pts.) battled for their second victory of the season against FC Cincinnati 2 (5-9-4, 21 pts.) at NKU Soccer Stadium. New York outscored Cincinnati 5-1 in the two matches between the sides this year.
Heading into the yesterday, Red Bulls II had lost back-to-back matches for the first time in 2023 and were looking to get back to their winning ways. On the other hand, Cincinnati were coming off their biggest victory so far, a 3-1 win against Inter Miami CF II. With New York taking the first match between these clubs on June 25th, this match was a golden opportunity to grab three points on the road.
In what has been a theme so far this season, the match did not go on for long before the first goal was scored. In the sixth minute, Red Bulls II midfielder Ibrahim Kasule continued his scorching hot run of form. A mistake on the back line of Cincinnati gave the Ugandan an open net for his ninth goal of the season, all of which are within the past ten matches. He continued his goal scoring streak, now tallying a goal in six consecutive matches.
From then on, New York continued their attack, but there was a major energy shift in the 18th minute when Jayden Reid drew a red card with a foul on the last man. Red Bulls II now had to maintain their lead down to ten men with over 70 minutes to go in the match.
After great defensive play, even without their starting center back, New York went into halftime having created opportunities while also holding a strong back line.
Substitutions were made from New York in the 62nd minute of the second half, and recent addition Rafael Mosquera made an instant impact in his debut. After receiving a ball from Amos Shapiro-Thompson in the box, Mosquera flicked the ball over perfectly to the foot of Frank Ssebufu to double New York’s lead.
Now up two, New York were in the driver’s seat, even with the team being down a man since the 18th minute. The defensive play from Juan Gutierrez, Copeland Berkley, Omar Valencia, Davi Alexandre, and midfielder Dylan Sullivan, were crucial in maintaining the lead with a disadvantage. A.J. Marcucci was also his normal self, making multiple key saves to keep Cincinnati off the board throughout the entirety of the match.
Red Bulls II now sit at fourth in the Eastern Conference with 33 points in 19 matches after getting back in the win column. The club improved their road record to 4-3-3 on the road with 16 points in 10 matches.
New York return home to host Orlando City B on Monday, July 31. Kickoff at MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. ET. Coverage will be on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
