HARRISON, N.J. (April 5, 2017) – New York Red Bulls II were defeated by Harrisburg City Islanders, at Red Bull Arena, 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Despite out-possessing Harrisburg 66 percent to 34 percent, and out-shooting them 16-5, the back of the net eluded Red Bulls II.
Former New York Red Bulls draft pick Manolo Sanchez scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute against his former team off of a failed clearance from Michael Amir Murillo. Sanchez rounded former NYRB II captain and starting goalkeeper Ryan Meara and put it into the back of the net.
Red Bulls II pushed hard for an equalizer for the final half hour, nearly knotting the score at one-apiece in the 71st minute when 2016 USL Rookie of the Year, Brandon Allen, lofted a looping ball down the middle of the pitch that Zeiko Lewis brought down and toe-poked past the Harrisburg keeper, but his attempt went inches wide of the goal.
In second half stoppage time, Junior Flemming knocked a header wide of the post that proved to be NYRB II’s last opportunity.
The loss snapped Red Bulls II 17-game unbeaten streak, playoffs included, dating back to the 2016 regular season.
Red Bulls II concludes three games in seven days Saturday as they travel to Fenton, MO to take on St. Louis FC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
