New York Red Bulls II will take the field at MSU Soccer Park this Friday to host Hartford Athletic, in what will be their 2021 USL Championship opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Here are the Keys to the Game:
Carry Momentum In
With winning two out of three scrimmages during the preseason, NYRB II will look to carry those string of good results into their home opener. This past Friday, NYRB II defeated New England Revolution II, 5-2, to close out their preseason. Forward Omar Sowe recorded a hat trick and Jeremy Rafanello added another goal.
New Additions
After returning three players from last season’s roster, NYRB II will look their new additions to play a big part in the team this season. Rafanello, spending the 2020 season with Indy Eleven, has fit in nicely during preseason, which has equated to two goals in three matches during preseason.
Midfielder Daniel Edelman recorded his first professional goal last season for NYRB II, and will look to start his professional career on a high note.
Stop Hartford Attack
NYRB II suffered their only defeat of the preseason to Hartford Athletic, 2-1. A familiar face scored a goal in the match, forward Sebastian Elney. Being able to keep the Hartford attack at bay will open up plenty of opportunities for NYRB II to have at their net.
