EAST HANOVER, N.J. (March 5, 2022) – New York Red Bulls II defeated Philadelphia Union II, 3-1, in its preseason finale on Saturday, March 5, at Red Bulls Training Facility.
New York struck first in the 26th minute as trialist forward Jonathan Filipe scored his team-leading third goal of the preseason off a cross from trialist defender Mustafa Kizza. Philadelphia evened the score five minutes later.
Trialist defender Daniel De Leon gave New York the lead in the 55th minute by capitalizing on a loose ball following a saved free kick by Philadelphia. The home side doubled their advantage in the final minutes of the match as trialist midfielder Adam Najem tapped the ball in off a Filipe cross.
“With the start of a season and getting used to a new coach, it can be difficult to get going,” Head Coach Gary Lewis said. “Then the relationships, with players coming in from the first team and the Academy, so we’ve just been developing the group. Obviously, the technique, the physicality, and tactical understanding, all of that started to formulate. When you look at the last 45, that’s where we got to, so I’m pleased with today overall.”
New York finished its preseason schedule with a record of 2-1-1. The club will travel to face Miami FC on Saturday, March 12, to kick off the 2022 USL Championship season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
