New York Red Bulls II concluded its busy start to the 2022 USL Championship season on March 23 as it fell 2-0 to Louisville City FC at MSU Soccer Park.
The match marked the fourth for New York in the opening 12 days of the campaign. The club earned its first victory of the year at Atlanta United 2, but suffered hard-fought defeats against Louisville, Miami FC, and Loudoun United FC.
For Red Bulls II, there were a lot of positives to pull from the Louisville match, as well as the opening four-match stretch.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed to lose the game,” Head Coach Gary Lewis said. “But we made a very good team look uncomfortable and not look like a good team.”
Throughout the first half, New York generated multiple scoring chances both around and inside the box. In four matches, Red Bulls II has been able to create quality scoring chances, amassing 45 shots, which ranks third in USL Championship. The club also has three players that rank in the top 15 in the league in chances created.
“I feel like we’re finding good gaps in between and we’re using our speed and drive going forward,” forward Jonathan Filipe said. “The high pressure on the counterattack is doing well and is a part of that. I feel like we’re starting to get good chemistry and getting to know each other better. It’s starting to work more and more as the game goes on.”
After playing four matches in 12 days, Red Bulls II will play just once between March 24 and April 15. With a less-condensed schedule in the month of April, New York will be able to hit the training ground, build off the opening four matches, and look to collect some points.
“I’m really positive,” Lewis said. “I really believe in this group, I think we’re going to be alright, especially since we’ll be able to train.”
