HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls II hosts the Rochester Rhinos in the winner takes all Eastern Conference Semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, October 7 at Red Bull Arena.
NYRB II finished the season 21-3-6, nine points ahead of second place Louisville City FC. That said, they won the USL Regular Season Title handily while breaking multiple records along the way. Some records include most points, wins, and goals in a single season.
NYRB II looks to extend the club’s unbeaten streak to 12 games, with 10 victories in the past 11 games. The Red Bulls II are 9-2-4 this season at home.
Rochester finished the season at 13-5-12, good for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Red Bulls II and Rochester battled three times in the regular season, with the result the same each time. Two scoreless draws at Red Bull Arena and a 1-1 tie on the road rounded out the extremely even matchup.
The Rhinos are led by Christian Volesky, who finished the regular season with 10 goals, and Steevan Dos Santos, who recorded five assists. Rochester’s defense and goalkeeping is extremely solid, as they only needed to make 60 saves all season, while giving up only 25 goals, the third least in the league.
In the Rhinos’ first playoff game, they defeated the Charlotte Independence 3-1, behind goals by Steevan Dos Santos, Wal Fall, and Sofiane Tergou. Tomas Gomez made two saves and only allowed one late goal to lead the Rhinos.
Last year, the Rhinos ended New York’s season with a 2-0 victory. The stakes were reversed in that game, as the Rhinos were the top seed and New York was the fourth seed. The game was played at Sahlen’s Stadium. Steevan Dos Santos scored both goals for the Rhinos. Red Bulls II will hope to contain him in this year’s playoff matchup.
If the Red Bulls II win, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they would take on the winner of Louisville City FC and Charleston Battery. Click here for more information and to purchase your playoff tickets.
