MONTCLAIR, NJ (March 25, 2024) - New York Red Bulls II (1-0-1, 5 pts.) earn two points in the standings after topping Inter Miami CF II (1-0-1, 4 pts.) in the shootout, 4-3, following a 3-3 draw in regulation.
With New York playing their third match in just eight days, a drop in production would be expected, but that was not the case in yesterday’s match at MSU Soccer Park. Red Bulls II were set for a clash against an impressive Miami side that was also coming off a win in their MLS NEXT Pro season opener.
Right at the opening whistle, New York applied their trademarked high press on the Miami defense. In the eighth minute, that press proved beneficial as Red Bulls II would get on the board first.
After forcing a turnover in the midfield, New York quickly mounted an attack led by Mohammed Sofo. The midfielder dribbled into space and played a perfect curling ball to forward Julian Hall, who made no doubt with his finish to give Red Bulls II an early lead.
New York would continue to get chances in the first half but were unable to double their lead. Miami capitalized in the 40th minute off a goal from Leo Afonso to make things level as the two clubs headed into the break.
Although they just conceded, Red Bulls II came out firing yet again in the second half. Multiple chances would come and would eventually pay off in the 51st minute after forward Roald Mitchell drew a penalty kick.
Stepping up to take the kick was midfielder Ibrahim Kasule, who has been the main penalty taker for New York since his arrival last season. The Ugandan blasted the shot into the top of the net to give his side the lead once again. Kasule extended his perfect penalty record with the club, converting all seven that he has taken over the course of two seasons.
That wouldn’t be all for the Ugandan international, as he would strike yet again fifteen minutes later. After a cross sent in by Omar Valencia gave the Miami goalkeeper trouble, the ball found the foot of Kasule, who made no doubt of his shot by hammering it into the back of the net to secure the brace. The 20-year-old has now recorded five goals and three assists in his last five appearances with Red Bulls II.
Even though the club was down two with 20 minutes left, Miami was not willing to go down without a fight. Leo Afonso grabbed his second of the match in the 80th minute directly off a free kick. The visitors would eventually level the match in the dying moments when a Daniel Pinter finished a rebound to tie the match and send it into a shootout.
With New York’s only shootout at MSU Soccer Park in 2023 being in the home opener against Columbus Crew 2, there was a feeling of déjà vu for the club. After a save in the first round, New York would not miss for the remainder of the shootout. Ibrahim Kasule, Davi Alexandre, Malick Dembele, and Roald Mitchell all converted from the spot. Alan Rutkowski made a colossal save in the final round to allow Mitchell to clinch the match with his shot.
Red Bulls II have now earned a result in five out of their last six matches at MSU Soccer Park across all competitions.
New York hit the road for another quick turnaround on Thursday, March 28, against FC Cincinnati 2. Kickoff at NKU Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. ET. Coverage will be on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
