KENNESAW, GA (March 16, 2022) – New York Red Bulls II (1-1-0, 3 points) defeated Atlanta United 2 (0-2-0, 0 points) 1-0 on Wednesday, March 16, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
New York went up a man in the 19th minute when Atlanta defender Aiden McFadden was shown a red card for a tackle of defender Juan Castillo. The visitors applied the pressure immediately after, recording 13 shots in the first half.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, New York was able to capitalize on their advantage in the second half. In the 66th minute, New York’s pressing led to an Atlanta turnover on their side of the field. Midfielder John Murphy intercepted a pass and found forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith who sent a strike into the net.
New York suffered a red card of its own in the 73rd minute but was able to close out the match for its first points of the season.
The goal was the fifth of Adebayo-Smith’s USL Championship career and his first with New York. Murphy recorded his first professional assist at the same venue where he made his professional debut with Red Bulls II on March 24, 2018.
Goalkeeper AJ Marcucci recorded his second career clean sheet in the contest.
As a team, New York held Atlanta without a shot on goal. The last time New York held an opponent without a shot on goal was September 4, 2021, against Hartford Athletic.
Four players made their professional debuts, including three Red Bulls Academy players. 2022 MLS SuperDraft pick O’Vonte Mullings started and played the full 90 minutes. Midfielder Ezra Widman started the match, and forward Illia Tyrkus and midfielder Arian Recinos came on as second half substitutions.
New York will return home to host Loudoun United FC on Saturday, March 19, in the 2022 home opener. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
