LEESBURG, VA (October 30, 2021) – New York Red Bulls II (7-18-7, 28 points) defeated Loudoun United FC (4-25-3, 15 points) 4-1 on Saturday, October 30 at Segra Field to conclude the 2021 season.
New York struck first in the fifth minute, as forward Jake LaCava sent a ball in from the far side of the field to find forward Omar Sowe surging through the Loudoun defense. Sowe collected the pass and placed the ball towards the far post. Loudoun evened the score two minutes later.
The visitors regained the lead in the 26th minute, as midfielder Jeremy Rafanello scored off a long throw-in from defender Mandela Egbo. They would take that 2-1 advantage into the halftime break.
New York added two more goals in the later stages of the second half. In the 73rd minute, Loudoun attempted to clear a New York scoring chance, but midfielder Daniel Edelman gained possession, maneuvered through the box and placed the ball towards the far post. In second half stoppage time, Rafanello scored his second of the match to give New York the final three-goal edge,
Sowe’s goal set a new career-high, as he finished the 2021 season with eight goals. He now has 17 in three years with NYRB II. Rafanello’s brace was his second of the season (June 16 vs. Charlotte Independence). He finished the season with seven goals and six assists.
The goal for Edelman was his first of the season and the second of his professional career. LaCava recorded his fourth assist of the season, and Egbo tallied his third. Goalkeeper AJ Marcucci collected five saves in the contest.
New York scored three or more goals in three of the four meetings with Loudoun this season. The match marked the season finale for New York. The team earned a result in six of its last eight contests.
