New York Red Bulls II will head on the road to face Bethlehem Steel FC on Wednesday, July 10, with kick-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Here are three things to watch out for:
MIDFIELDER ON FIRE
The first meeting between the two clubs took place on May 31, where NYRB II picked up the decisive 4-0 victory at MSU Soccer Park. Kyle Zajec opened the scoring in the 26th minute, this was his first professional goal. Five minutes later, Zajec scored his second of the game and his career. He has scored four goals in his last six appearances, including one in the club’s last match against Ottawa. Head Coach John Wolyniec has praised Zajec for his performances for the last month. “He always had a good sense around goal and a pretty good attacking mindset, so I’m not surprised. You know, to see four in six games is a little surprising for Kyle, but we will take the goals where they come. Hopefully it continues in the future,” Wolyniec said.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
After playing two matches and an abandoned one two weeks ago, NYRB II will embark on the road again. They have not won a road match since June 7 and will be looking to snap a three-match winless streak. The club is 2-2-2 on the road this season, and have posted a 2-2-1 record, when playing Bethlehem Steel FC away.
KOFFI RETURNS
Jean-Christophe Koffi will be available for selection for the match against Bethlehem, after serving his one-match suspension for an ejection during the June 22 match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He has been a vital part of the NYRB II midfield since the beginning of the season. He has played in 12 matches and has an 80 percent pass success rate, completing 325 passes on the season. On the defensive side of the ball, he has an 82.8 percent tackle success rate. The return of Koffi also brings some tough decisions from Coach John Wolyniec with Chris Lema and Kyle Zajec both playing well, we will see how the NYRB II midfield looks come Wednesday night.
Following Wednesday’s match, NYRB II will host Atlanta United 2 at MSU Soccer Park on Saturday, July 13, with kick-off set for 5 p.m. ET.
