New York Red Bulls II will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, April 23. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Match Notes
Renewing the Rivalry – After meeting four times last season, New York and Tampa Bay will meet for the first time during the 2022 campaign. The two sides battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting in October. AJ Marcucci recorded seven saves, including six in the second half, to help solidify the road point against the league leaders.
Reunited – Tampa Bay forward Jake LaCava, who is on loan from the New York Red Bulls, will make his return to MSU Soccer Park for the first time. He scored 11 goals and tallied seven assists in two seasons with Red Bulls II.
Another Reunion! – New York forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith, who is on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, will face off against them for the first time. Adebayo-Smith scored four goals last season for the Rowdies, which was tied for fourth on the team.
Training Quotes
“Tampa doesn’t have many weaknesses, they’re an established group that has been around this league for a long time. We’re looking at a similar pattern with our press trying to disrupt their build, and then can we hit them before they reorganize and get the wing backs back in again.” – Head Coach Gary Lewis
“Some of the boys played against Tampa last year, so they also know this type of style that Tampa has. They’re expansive, so that can work in our favor in terms of winning possession back, driving at them, and then going forward.” – Forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith
Important Numbers
1 – Four of the last five meetings between Red Bulls II and the Rowdies have been decided by one goal or less.
13 – Saturday’s match will mark the 13th all-time meeting between the two sides, which is tied for the third-most against active USL Championship clubs.
360 – Jeremy Rafanello has played in and started four matches this season, playing all 360 possible minutes.
