CHESTER, PA. (July 17, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (8-6-4, 30 pts.) fell in the second match of the season against Philadelphia Union II (8-7-1, 25 pts.) at Subaru Park. This was Philadelphia’s second win in the three match series between the two sides this season, with the last match coming on September 24th, which is decision day for MLS NEXT Pro.
Going into yesterday’s match, the two clubs were having mixed results in the previous weeks. New York was coming off a loss against New York City FC II and Philadelphia had just lost in a shootout to Toronto FC II. A win was necessary for both clubs to get back on track in the second half of the season.
Almost as soon as things got started at Subaru Park, Philadelphia struck first. In the fourth minute, Stefan Stojanovic found the back of the net off a counterattack to give his side the early lead.
Although they were down early, New York maintained a majority of the possession in the first half and had high quality chances to try and secure the leveler. After missed opportunities from the continued attack, Red Bulls II went into halftime looking to make a comeback.
As was the story after the fourth minute of the match, New York controlled the match for a majority of the second half. The squad continued their attack, sending in shot after shot in an attempt to get back in the match. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that they found a breakthrough.
In an attack that found it’s way to the mouth of Philly’s goal, Ibrahim Kasule was set to make a pass, but was taken down by the Union II defender to draw a penalty. The Ugandan midfielder stepped up to take his fourth penalty kick of the season, and like he did the previous three, he buried it. New York was now finally level with ten minutes to go on the road.
Now tied, Philadelphia began to increase their attack. Just four minutes after conceding, the home side found themselves on a 2-on-1 breakaway in the 84th minute. The ball found the foot of Luciano Sanchez, who finished the shot to give his side the lead once again.
Red Bulls II had chances in stoppage time, but none were enough to force a shootout as Philadelphia claimed all three points at home.
Despite the loss, club history was made from Ibrahim Kasule. The Ugandan scored in his fifth consecutive match, a mark that no other Red Bulls II player has accomplished in the club’s nine-year history. Kasule has now logged eight goals in the past nine matches to continue his incredible run of form.
New York maintained their position at fifth in the Eastern Conference with 30 points, and Philadelphia moved up to sixth with 27 points.
New York stay on the road to face FC Cincinnati II on Saturday, July 17. Kickoff at NKU Soccer 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.
Scoring Summary:
- PHI – Stefan Stojanovic 6 (Donovan) 4’
- NY – Ibrahim Kasule 8 (PK) 80’
- PHI – Luciano Sanchez 2 (Olney) 84’
Misconduct Summary:
- PHI – Jeremy Rafanello (caution, foul) 44’
- NY -Dylan Sullivan (caution, foul) 45’ +1’
New York Red Bulls II: A.J. Marcucci; Jayden Reid, Matt Nocita, Arian Recinos, Copeland Berkley (Dija 69’), Aiden Jarvis (Bento Estrela 59’), Dylan Sullivan (Henry Wise 87’), Ibrahim Kasule, O’Vonte Mullings, Ricardo Gorday (Erick Ruiz 69’), Frank Ssebufu
Unused Subs: Alan Rutkowski, Amos Shapiro-Thompson
TOTAL SHOTS: 22; SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; FOULS: 12; POSSESSION: 61.4; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 2
Philadelphia Union II: Andrew Rick, Juan Castillo, Daniel Kreuger, Hugo Le Guennec, Francis Westfield, David Vazquez (Boubacar Diallo 77’), Jeremy Rafanello (K. Tucker 62’), Carlos Rojas, Christopher Olney Jr. (Anthony Sorenson 90’ +3’), Stefan Stojanovic (Nelson Pierre 62’), Chris Donovan (Luciano Sanchez 77’)
Unused Subs: Brooks Thompson, Alex Perez, Nathan Nkanji, Edward Davis
TOTAL SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 16; POSSESSION: 38.6; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 6
