KENNESAW, G.A. (April 3, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (0-0-2, 3 pts.) were able to grab two points from Atlanta United 2 (0-1-1, 1 pt.) in a 1-1 draw, with New York winning the shootout 5-4 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
The match started off on the wrong foot for Red Bulls II, as a turnover and eventual counter attack led to Erik López opening the scoring for Atlanta in the fourth minute. From this point on, New York’s defensive line stayed strong and kept mistakes to a minimum.
While down, New York was able to keep the pressure up for the remainder of the first half. Chances from Oladayo Thomas and Amos Shapiro-Thompson just missed the back of the net, yet they kept the pressure on. There was a first half change, as Center-back Yostin Salinas made his season debut after being subbed on for Matt Nocita in the 38th minute.
Right at the start of the second half, it was clear that New York kept the same energy on the offensive end as the first. With chance after chance, the II’s eventually grabbed the equalizer thanks to Wiki Carmona’s second goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season. The assist came from Omar Valencia, who drove down the left side of the pitch and centered the ball perfectly for the Venezuelan forward.
Second half subs for New York included Erick Ruiz, Dylan Sullivan, and Frank Ssebufu for Dru Yearwood, Curtis Ofori, and Oladayo Thomas.
With the score equal at one, both teams continued to push for the match winning goal with no success. For the second week in a row, New York Red Bulls II were headed for a shootout to determine who would claim the second point in the standings.
Shootout:
- ATL: López (Goal)
- NY: Ssebuufu (Goal)
- ATL: Firmino (Save)
- NY: Carmona (Goal)
- ATL: Tmimi (Goal)
- NY: Edelman (Goal)
- ATL: Adeniyi (Goal
- NY: Salinas (Goal)
- ATL: Tiente (Goal)
- NY: Ruiz (Goal)
New York went 5-for-5 in their shots, with Red Bulls Academy Product Erick Ruiz sinking the match winner.
Red Bulls II return home on April 9th as they get set to take on Crown Legacy FC at MSU Soccer Park, kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Coverage will be available with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
