Inside the Match: New York Red Bulls II vs. FC Tulsa

ITM 15

New York Red Bulls II will host FC Tulsa on Wednesday, June 15, at MSU Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on ESPN+.

Match Notes

Ready for a Rematch – The match marks the second-straight for Red Bulls II against an opponent they saw earlier in the season. Tulsa took the only prior meeting between the sides, 3-2, on April 2. New York held the lead for a portion of the match despite playing with 10 men.

Back Home – New York returns home to conclude a stretch in which it has three out of four matches at home. The club will look to build off its strong performance in its last home match, a 2-2 draw against a tough San Diego Loyal SC on June 2.

Juan’s Weekend – Juan Castillo traveled with the first team over the weekend for their match against Charlotte FC on a short-term loan. The second-year defender previously spent a match with the first team during their U.S. Open Cup battle with Charlotte on May 25.

Training Quotes

“We’ve watched them, they’ve played a back three recently with a tight front three. They’re looking to play quite long and that’s how they got us last time, they scored a couple goals from playing in behind us, so we need to be aware of that.” – Gary Lewis

“Juan [Castillo] has been very good for us. You can see the progression from him last year to this year. He’s quick, he can head it, he’s competitive, his technique is pretty good, he passes the ball really well, his range of pass is good, and he’s been consistent.” – Lewis on Juan Castillo

Important Numbers

5 – The five combined goals in the first meeting between New York and Tulsa is tied for the most this season for Red Bulls II (Hartford Athletic, May 14).

12 – Jeremy Rafanello has started the last 12 matches for Red Bulls II, which is currently the longest streak on the team. He has started every match he has played this season and has logged 1,079 of a possible 1,080 minutes.

71 – Sam Williams is 71 minutes away from 1,000 for the season, and when he surpasses that mark, he will become the first Red Bulls Academy player to eclipse that since Joey Zalinsky (1,190).