Academy

USL UPDATE: Perfection on the road, Defensive dominance, Welcoming Harrisburg

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New York Red Bulls II remained undefeated in road games and extended its unbeaten streak to five matches with a win against the Bethlehem Steel last weekend.



New York Red Bulls II is back in action at home on Thursday, June 9, against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Red Bull Arena at 7 p.m.


Road Warriors Remain Perfect

Red Bulls II defeated the Bethlehem Steel, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon on an early goal from Brandon Allen. NYRB II improved to 7-1-3 on the season, and remains a perfect 5-0-0 on the road.



The eventual game winner came in the third minute. Gideon Baah, playing in his third USL game of the season, delivered a long ball from midfield towards Allen. Allen collected the pass in the penalty area and buried it for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.


Ryan Meara, on loan from MLS, earned the shutout. The clean sheet was the goalkeeperā€™s fifth of the season.


With their fifth road win of the season, NYRB II has equaled its road win total from the 2015 season, which was tied for the most road wins in the Eastern Conference.


Defense Heating up

New York has now recorded three consecutive clean sheets led by goalkeeper Ryan Meara. In total, Red Bulls II has shutout its opponents in seven out of 11 games this year.


In eight matches, Ryan Meara has played a total of 642 minutes allowing three goals with 16 saves. His 0.42 Goals Against Average is one of the leaguesā€™ best.


Red Bulls II has allowed six goals this season, which is the fewest in the Eastern Conference and tied with Sacramento Republic FC for least in the entire league.


Next Up: Harrisburg City Islanders

This is the first of three matchups this season between New York and Harrisburg. The teams faced off three times last season and the Islanders have won both contests played at Red Bull Arena.


Last season, Harrisburg beat Red Bulls II the first two times the teams matched up. New York came out on top 2-0 in the final meeting between the two teams on the road.