New York Red Bulls II concluded its four-match April slate on Saturday, April 30, against Detroit City FC.
The club faced three first-time opponents and earned a hard-fought draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, April 23. As the calendar turns to the third month of the season, catch up on the notes and numbers from April:
Leading the Way – Sam Williams is the youngest player in USL Championship to appear in eight matches through the first two months of the season. His 488 minutes rank second only behind Louisville City FC’s Joshua Wynder for the lead among the top ten youngest players in the league.
The West Chester, PA, Brick Wall – AJ Marcucci continued his strong streak dating back to September 19, 2021, coming up with crucial stops for Red Bulls II. During that span, he has started 16 of a possible 17 matches, recorded a league-leading 66 saves, and collected three clean sheets.
Rafa from Distance – Jeremy Rafanello’s two goals from outside the box rank second in USL Championship, one behind the league lead in that category. Since the beginning of the 2021 season, he is tied for seventh across the league with three.
Castellano’s Debut – Jesús Castellano made his Red Bulls II debut on April 15 against Rio Grande Valley FC, playing the full 90 minutes. The Venezuelan midfielder has appeared in three matches, started two, and logged 171 minutes.
National Team Spotlight – Five players saw call ups to their respective youth national teams. Curtis Ofori participated his first United States U-19 camp in California from April 22 to May 1. JC Cortez, who has received call ups to Peruvian Youth National Teams in the past, was called in to the U-20’s for four matches between May 2 and 12. Nathan Worth, Davi Alexandre, and Jeremiah White, who were all recently added to the roster, have featured with the United States U-15’s at the Torneo dell Nazioni. Worth wore the captain’s armband in multiple matches.
Chan’s Stellar Appearance – Derrek Chan came on as an early substitute to make his professional debut on April 2 at FC Tulsa. The Cowan Heights, California, native recorded seven saves, including some key second half stops. The seven saves marked a new club record for a player making their Red Bulls II debut, surpassing Kyle Reynish’s six on April 4, 2015.
