MONTCLAIR, NJ (March 26, 2023) - New York Red Bulls (0-0-1, 1 pts.) battled defending MLS NEXT Pro champions Columbus Crew 2 (0-0-1 [1], 2 pts.) to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at MSU Soccer Park. Columbus won the penalty shootout, 3-2.
In the seventh minute, midfielder Wiki Carmona capitalized off of a Columbus turnover with a volley from over 20 yards out that found the back of the net. This marked the first goal for New York Red Bulls II in MLS NEXT Pro.
There was continued pressure by New York, but the lead stayed at one going into halftime.
Midfielder Curtis Ofori and forward Oladayo Thomas both had high quality chances shortly after kicking off the second half, but nothing came of them. That was not the only chance, as Amos Shapiro-Thompson lined up for a free kick in the 70th minute right on the 18 yard line. His quick-paced shot struck the crossbar, keeping the score at 1-0.
A Columbus corner kick in stoppage time resulted in the late equalizer by Abdi Mohamed.
With a point to each team at the final whistle, the two teams then began the penalty shootout to decide who gets an additional point in the standings.
Penalty Shootout:
- CLB: (Save)
- NY: (Save)
- CLB: (Miss)
- NY: Ndam (Goal)
- CLB: Rayo (Goal)
- NY: (Miss)
- CLB: Fuson (Goal)
- NY: Ssebuufu (Goal)
- CLB: Mrowka (Goal)
- NY: (Miss)
Columbus won the penalty shootout 3-2.
Jayden Reid, Ricardo Gorday, Amos Shapiro-Thompson, Oladayo Thomas, and Dylan Sullivan all made their professional debuts in tonight’s match. Frank Ssebuufu made his New York Red Bulls II debut.
New York will travel to Atlanta for their next match against Atlanta United 2 on April 2nd at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
