MONTCLAIR, N.J. (June 26, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (7-4-4, 27 pts.) took care of business at home against FC Cincinnati 2 (4-7-3 16 pts.) in a 3-1 victory. New York has now won four consecutive matches at MSU Soccer Park with wins against Miami, New York City, New England, and now Cincinnati.
Heading into yesterday’s match, New York was looking to bounce back from a shootout loss against Crown Legacy FC down in Charlotte. On the other end, Cincinnati was riding high after their biggest win of the season against New England, 2-1.
Almost immediately, Red Bulls II showed that they meant business. Just 30 seconds into the match, Red Bulls Academy product Copeland Berkley sent in a beautiful cross to find the head of forward Frank Ssebufu, who found the back of the net for his third goal of the season. The assist by Berkley was the first of his professional career.
Ssebufu’s goal was the second-fastest in club history at 28 seconds. The quickest came during the 2022 season, when Jesús Castellano scored 18 seconds in against Hartford Athletic on August 31.
After the goal, New York was in completely in control and maintained most of the possession. However, in the 21st minute, Cincinnati midfielder Gerado Valenzuela intercepted a pass and played a ball to forward Benjamin Stitz, who ripped a shot from outside the box to tie the match on the team’s first shot on goal.
Red Bulls II maintained their pressure even after conceding the match tying goal and continued to get opportunities in the final third. In the 25th minute, midfielder Ronald Donkor sent a pass to Ibrahim Kasule, who turned, made a run into the box, and sent a shot in to regain the lead for New York. Kasule has been on an absolute tear for Red Bulls II, having scored five goals and recorded three assists over the past six matches to lead the team. He has recorded a goal or an assist in each of those six matches.
After a slight weather delay immediately following Kasule’s goal, the sides got right back to it in Montclair.
Fifteen minutes after the delay in the 40th minute, New York struck yet again. From a free kick on the right wing, Kasule played in a ball that was headed in from the far post by defender Davi Alexandre. The goal was the first of his professional career. With the goal, Alexandre became the fourth youngest to score in Red Bulls II history at 16 years and 143 days old.
New York now went into halftime with a 2-goal lead and looked to close out yet another victory at MSU Soccer Park.
With the attacking play being the highlight of the first half, the back line and goalkeeping were the stars to finish off the match. As has been the story all season long, the defensive play from New York continued to prove itself as one best units in the entire league. They did not allow a goal for the rest of the match as A.J. Marcucci made some fantastic saves to secure the 3-1 win.
The victory marked New York’s fourth-straight at MSU Soccer Park, marking the first time the club has won four consecutive matches at home since the 2018 season. Red Bulls II have allowed 17 goals in 15 matches this season, which is tied for the fewest in the Eastern Conference and fifth in MLS NEXT Pro.
New York heads back on the road to face Inter Miami CF II on Sunday, July 2. Kickoff at DRV PNK Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. ET. Coverage will be on MLSNEXTPro.com, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
