MONTCLAIR, N.J. (August 20, 2021) – New York Red Bulls II (3-11-4, 13 points) fell to the Charleston Battery (8-7-3, 27 points) 3-2 on Friday, August 20 at MSU Soccer Park.
The match featured a flurry of goals in the opening minutes. Charleston struck first in the second minute as midfielder DZ Harmon headed in a long cross. Three minutes later, New York equalized on a strike from forward Mathias Jørgensen. The visitors regained the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from forward Josh Penn.
Just before the half, Charleston doubled their advantage. Defender Frank Nodarse sent a ball to the far post that was headed back across the net by forward Geobel Perez, where forward Claudio Repetto sent it in.
New York came close to narrowing the deficit in the second half on the counterattack and pulled within one in stoppage time. Midfielder Daniel Edelman headed a Charleston clearance back into the box, where forward Serge Ngoma scored off a feed from midfielder Jake LaCava.
Jørgensen’s goal was his first of the season, coming in his first start of the 2021 campaign. The goal for Ngoma was the first of his professional career.
Midfielder Luther Archimede, a 2021 MLS SuperDraft first round selection, made his professional debut for New York, entering in the 66th minute.
Goalkeeper Luca Lewis recorded a season-high six saves in the contest.
New York Red Bulls II concluded a season-long three-match homestand, and will travel to face Miami FC on Sunday, August 29. Kickoff from FIU Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
