CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla. (January 28, 2016) - The New York Red Bulls opened the 2016 preseason schedule with a 3-1 victory over the University of South Florida Thursday at the Omni Resort in ChampionsGate, Fla. New York and USF played three, 30-minute periods under rainy conditions.
The New York Red Bulls controlled play in the first 30 minutes and had several scoring chances before breaking through to score the scrimmage's first goal. New York opened the scoring as Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the first goal of the preseason on a perfect pass from Mike Grella as he one-timed a shot past the USF goalkeeper.
"It was a nice play from Mike (Grella) down the left (side)," said Bradley Wright-Phillips. "I just tried to keep my eye on the ball and make good contact."
Neither side scored during the second 30-minute period. New York head coach Jesse Marsch rolled out three different starting lineups for each period of play to open the preseason vs. the Bulls.
"It was good to get going," said Marsch. "We haven't had as much time to concentrate on enough of the details because we were a little bit sidetracked by the weather back in New York. Overall, to come down here for the first day against a college team (USF) I thought the effort was good and the emphasis was there."
In the final 30 minutes of action, Manolo Sanchez scored the scrimmage's second goal on an assist by rookie Chris Thorsheim. Just minutes later, rookie Homegrown forward Brandon Allen scored his first goal of the preseason as he scored from close range. MLS SuperDraft First Round pick Justin Bilyeu assisted on the Allen goal.
The Red Bulls continue preseason play with a pair of split-squad scrimmages Sunday at the Omni Resort. New York faces Jacksonville Armada FC at 10:30 a.m. and Montverde Academy at 12:30 p.m.
BOX SCORE
New York Red Bulls 3, USF 1
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Omni Resort - ChampionsGate, Fla.
Scoring Summary:
- NY - Bradley Wright-Phillips (Mike Grella)
- NY - Manolo Sanchez (Chris Thorsheim)
- NY - Brandon Allen (Justin Bilyeu)
- USF - Penalty Kick
New York Red Bulls First Group: Kyle Reynish; Kemar Lawrence, Ronald Zubar, Zach Carroll, Chris Duvall, Dax McCarty ©, Sean Davis, Mike Grella, Vincent Bezecourt, Stefano Bonomo, Bradley Wright-Phillips
New York Red Bulls Second Group: Ryan Meara, Connor Lade, A.J. Cochrane, Aaron Long, Sal Zizzo, Felipe, Tyler Adams, Derrick Etienne, Jr., Sacha Kljestan, Lloyd Sam, Gonzalo Veron
New York Red Bulls Third Group: Rafael Diaz, Justin Bilyeu, Trialist, Tim Schmoll, Chris Thorsheim, Mael Corboz, Shawn McLaws, Scott Thomsen, Manolo Sanchez, Noah Powder, Brandon Allen
