HARTFORD, CT (May 14, 2022) – New York Red Bulls II (1-8-1, 3 points) fell to Hartford Athletic (2-6-1, 6 points), 3-2, on Saturday, May 14, at Trinity Health Stadium.
The home side opened the scoring in the 36th minute, as Luka Prpa finished off a loose ball around the box following a throw-in. New York was able to equalize in first half stoppage time, as O’Vonte Mullings played a ball up the field to Jordan Adebayo-Smith, who made a run from the halfway line and sent a shot into the Hartford net.
Hartford regained the lead in the 54th minute, as Joel Johnson scored following a corner kick and a following shot from the edge of the box that took a deflection and found his feet. Red Bulls II leveled again in the 70th minute, as Illia Tyrkus collected a feed from Mullings, turned, and ripped a shot into the far post side netting.
In second half stoppage time, Hartford found the match-winner on a goal from Corey Hertzog following a corner kick.
Mullings increased his season assist total to a team-leading three and is the first Red Bulls II player to record a multi-assist match since Mandela Egbo on September 22, 2021.
The goal for Tyrkus was the first of his professional career in his fourth professional appearance. He became the first Red Bulls Academy player to score this season and the first since Serge Ngoma on September 22, 2021.
Adebayo-Smith’s goal was his second of the season and the sixth of his USL Championship career. He is tied with Jeremy Rafanello for the team lead.
Following the match, New York will travel to face Indy Eleven on Saturday, May 21. Kickoff from Michael A. Carroll Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN+.
