HARRISON, N.J. (March 16, 2018) – New York Red Bulls II open the 2018 USL season Saturday at Red Bull Arena taking on Toronto FC II at 1 p.m. ET. The match can be seen on newyorkredbulls.com/2.
New York begins the year led by head coach John Wolyniec who looks to make his fourth-straight USL Cup Playoff appearance, all with NYRB II. 2017 ended on penalties in the USL Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, falling to eventual champion Louisville City FC.
NYRB II has drawn each of its past three home openers and will look to change that against a TFC II side they’ve never lost to (5-0-1). New York recorded a winning home record last year going 10-6-0.
Returning on the backline is goalkeeper Evan Louro, who will receive the bulk of the starts, begins the year in net alongside defenders Jordan Scarlett and Hassan Ndam.
In the middle of the pitch, second-year player Andrew Tinari and former Red Bulls Academy product Steven Echevarria will look to provide the stability in the midfield.
The attack features first and third round draft choices, Brian White and Tom Barlow as well as newly-promoted First Team striker Stefano Bonomo. Bonomo led NYRB II in scoring in 2017 with 13 goals in 16 appearances. Ben Mines will also see time with the USL squad as he continues his development as a first-year pro.
Following Saturday’s match, NYRB II will hit the road for newly-formed expansion side ATL UTD 2’s inaugural match away at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, Georgia on Saturday, March 24.
