QUEENS, N.Y. (April 3, 2024) - New York Red Bulls II fall in their Second Round matchup of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to New York City FC II, 4-2.
On a rainy night at Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y., Red Bulls II entered the match following their 5-1 victory in the First Round over the Hudson Valley Hammers.
New York struck early after midfielder Serge Ngoma made a strong run down the left wing in the sixth minute and played a centering ball that found Mohammed Sofo, who snuck a shot through the goalkeeper’s legs for the lead in the match.
New York City would answer with three goals of their own in the first half. Forward Jonathan Jimenez netted two goals in the 22nd and 38th minute, and midfielder Malachi Jones closed out the half with his 45th minute goal.
Red Bulls II headed into the break down two but came out of the locker room determined to try and claw their way back in the match.
Just one minute into the second half, New York Red Bulls II would strike again to pull within one. Roald Mitchell drove across the top of the eighteen into the middle of the pitch and played a simple ball to Serge Ngoma, who tucked away a clean finish.
For the remainder of the half, Red Bulls II maintained consistent possession in the opposing end. The away side searched for a leveler with their continued pressure, but were unable to capitalize for the remainder of the match.
New York City added one more to their total from the penalty spot in the 87th minute off the foot of Jonathan Jimenez for his third of the match.
Goalkeeper Dallas Odle, defenders Jair Collahuazo and Aidan O’Connor, midfielders Ronald Donkor and Serge Ngoma, and forwards Julian Hall, Roald Mitchell, and Frank Ssebufu all made their U.S. Open Cup debuts in the match.
New York will return to Belson Stadium for their next match against New York City FC II in MLS NEXT Pro regular season play on April 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. ET. Coverage will be on MLSNEXTPro.com, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
