CHESTER, PA (April 22, 2024) - New York Red Bulls II (3-0-3 14 pts.) earned a point on the road against Philadelphia Union 2 (3-0-3 14 pts.) in a 1-1 draw at Subaru Park. Philadelphia earned the second point in the standings after winning in the shootout, 4-2.
In what was set to be a heavyweight clash, yesterday’s match between the two top teams in the Eastern Conference did not disappoint.
A majority of the contest was a defensive battle, with New York and Philadelphia maintaining a strong back line and limiting opportunities. The lone goal from Red Bulls II would come early in the first half.
After a turnover in the defensive end, midfielder Bento Estrela played a ball over the Philadelphia back line. Seeing an opportunity following a mistake from a Union 2 center back, midfielder Steven Sserwadda capitalized and found the back of the net in a one-on-one opportunity against the opposing goalkeeper.
The goal was Sserwadda’s first of the season and the third of his career with New York Red Bulls II. It was his first goal with the club since 2022.
From there, the two sides returned to their impressive defensive play. Chances were limited for both sides which led to New York maintaining a one goal lead as they headed into the halftime break.
It would take until the 56th minute for the next, and final, goal to be scored in the match. This time it came from Philadelphia to equalize.
After connecting passes in the final third, defender Francis Westfield played in a cross to Edward Davis, who directed the ball into the net to bring his side level.
The match then returned to its previous state of impressive defensive play. Both sides would have opportunities with nothing to show for it as the match headed to a shootout to determine the second point in the standings.
Philadelphia came out on top 4-2 in the shootout after four rounds. Ibrahim Kasule and Bento Estrela each converted their kicks for New York as the road side settled for a point while maintaining their top spot in the Eastern Conference.
New York is now undefeated in the six matches to start their league season for the first time in club history, passing the previous record of five that was set in 2016 and 2019. Red Bulls II has not lost any of their first three matches on the road to start the season for the third time in club history (2016, 2023).
New York Red Bulls II returns home to face Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, April 28. Kickoff at MSU Soccer Park is set for 5 p.m. ET with coverage on MLSNEXTPro.com, NewYorkRedBulls.com, and the New York Red Bulls app.
