MONTCLAIR, N.J. (May 15, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (3-2-3, 14 pts.) defeated New York City FC II (3-3-1, 10 pts.) 2-0 on Sunday at MSU Soccer Park in the first New York Derby for MLS NEXT Pro.
New York came into the match looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss against Philadelphia last week, and they proved to be up to the task. In a match that had plenty of high-quality chances, there was no shortage of action throughout both halves. While New York City FC II looked like they dominated possession on the stat sheet, that did not tell the full story of how the match played out.
At kickoff, the away side knocked on the door continuously with three chances in the final third, but New York City was unable to get a shot on target. As both teams settled in, Red Bulls II maintained solid possession and created opportunities of their own. Forward Elias Manoel made two solo runs in the opposing box, forcing the keeper to make a few tough saves.
From then until the end of the first half, Red Bulls II had a majority of the scoring opportunities. New York City were unable to make it into the final third even though they maintained most of the possession. Red Bulls II were able to capitalize off turnovers and force counterattacks that created shots on target, but none were able to find the back of the net.
With the match level at the half, both teams had to adjust to try and get on the scoresheet.
As the second half whistle sounded, it became evident that Red Bulls II had found the key to applying consistent pressure. This was shown as early at the 47th minute, when New York had a multitude of shots on the opposing keeper. With yet another chance in the box, defender Juan Gutierrez was able to draw a foul to secure a penalty kick for the home side.
Elias Manoel stepped up to take the penalty in his first MLS NEXT Pro appearance, and he was able to give Red Bulls II the lead to open the match’s scoring. The Brazilian slotted the penalty into the bottom right corner, giving the goalkeeper virtually no chance to make the save.
Even though they now had the lead, Red Bulls II did not settle there. Just two minutes later forward Ricardo Gorday found space on the left side to make a run and cross the ball in to Manoel. The ball took a deflection off Manoel that threw off the NYCFC II goalkeeper and allowed forward Frank Ssebufu to smash the ball into the open net to double the lead.
From then on, the defensive line and goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski continued what they have done all season to keep NYCFC II off the scoreboard. Multiple saves by Rutkowski and fantastic defensive plays for the rest of the half secured the victory and clean sheet for Red Bulls II in the first ever New York Derby for MLS NEXT Pro.
New York recorded its fourth clean sheet over its first eight matches, which is tied with Columbus Crew 2, Colorado Rapids 2, and Earthquakes II for the league lead. The clean sheet was Rutkowski’s first in his professional career. The 16-year-old became the youngest player in Red Bulls II history to record a clean sheet, and the first Red Bulls Academy product to do so. Overall, New York has allowed seven goals this season, which is the second fewest in the Eastern Conference and sixth fewest in MLS NEXT Pro.
Red Bulls II have earned a result in four of its last five matches and moved into a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference with New England Revolution II and Orlando City B.
New York closes out their three match homestand at MSU Soccer Park on Sunday, May 21st against Inter Miami CF II. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLSNEXTPro.com, the New York Red Bulls app, and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
Scoring Summary:
- NY - Elias Manoel 1 (penalty kick) 48’
- NY - Frank Ssebufu 1 (Elias Manoel) 50’
Misconduct Summary
- NY - Juan Gutierrez (caution, foul) 21’
- NY - Ronald Donkor (caution, foul) 73’
- NY - Oladayo Thomas (caution, foul) 79’
- NY - Henry Wise (caution, foul) 88’
- NYC - Rio Hope-Gund (caution, dissent) 90’+2
- NYC - Samuel Owusu (caution, delay of game) 90’+3
New York Red Bulls II: Alan Rutkowski; O’Vonte Mullings (Davi Alexandre, 62’), Juan Gutierrez, Yostin Salinas, Copeland Berkley, Ricardo Gorday (Ibrahim Kasule, 71’), Amos Shapiro-Thompson, Henry Wise, Ronald Donkor (Aiden Jarvis, 78’), Frank Ssebufu (Julian Hall, 62’), Elias Manoel (Oladayo Thomas, 62’)
Unused Subs: Will Meyer, Erick Ruiz, Bento Estrela
TOTAL SHOTS: 18 ; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5 ; FOULS: 21 ; POSSESSION: 34.1 ; CORNER KICKS: 6 ; SAVES: 2
New York City FC II: Alexander Rando (Kofi Hope-Gund, 46’); Christian McFarlane, Samuel Owusu, Rio Hope-Gund, Brian Flores, Steven Bednarsky (Tyler Morck, 76’), Piero Elias, Maximo Carrizo, Jonathan Jiménez, Matthew Myers, Ronald Arévalo (Francesco DiPonzio, 90’+1)
Unused Subs: Klevis Haxhari, Oliver Stafford, Mateo Ponce-Ocampo, Massimo Murania Yankowitz
TOTAL SHOTS: 9 ; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2 ; FOULS: 12 ; POSSESSION: 65.9 ; CORNER KICKS: 2 ; SAVES: 3
