MONTCLAIR, NJ (July 15, 2022) – New York Red Bulls II (2-14-3, 9 points) defeated Indy Eleven (6-10-3, 21 points) 1-0 on Friday, July 15, at MSU Soccer Park.
The lone goal of the match came in the 53rd minute. Juan Castillo chipped a ball from the halfway line to O’Vonte Mullings along the near side of the field. Mullings made a run and sent in a low pass to Jordan Adebayo-Smith, who immediately flicked it over to Jeremy Rafanello, who tapped it into the net.
Indy had a few scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the match, but New York stood strong. In the 73rd minute, Manuel Arteaga maneuvered into the box from the near side of the field, but his shot was stopped by Giannis Nikopolidis.
New York has won all three meetings at home against Indy Eleven dating back to 2018. The home team has won every match of the all-time series.
The goal for Rafanello was his third of the season, moving him into a tie with Adebayo-Smith for the team lead. It also marked the 11th of his USL Championship career and 10th with Red Bulls II. Rafanello became the 15th player in club history to reach 10 goals with the club.
Adebayo-Smith’s assist was his first of the season and first of his USL Championship career.
Nikopolidis earned his first professional victory and first professional clean sheet in the match. He became the ninth goalkeeper in Red Bulls II history to record a clean sheet.
In the second minute, Sam Williams became the first Red Bulls Academy player to reach 2,000 minutes with Red Bulls II. The midfielder also the all-time leader in matches played by an Academy player with 37.
Zach Ryan wore the captain’s armband in the match for the first time in his professional career.
Following the match, New York will travel to face Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday, July 23. Kickoff at Cardinale Stadium is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on ESPN+.
