New York Red Bulls II played its fourth match of the season against Charleston Battery on Saturday, April 18. Each side scored one goal, but neither could break the deadlock and Red Bulls II earned its first road point in a 1-1 draw. NYRB II returns home this week to host Richmond Kickers in a midweek clash.
New York Red Bulls II face Richmond Kickers at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. EDT (WATCH: Live stream available on NewYorkRedBulls.com/Live).
Red Bulls II draw first ever road match
Red Bulls II played out a draw in its first ever away fixture against Charleston Battery, 1-1. Charleston’s Memo Rodriguez broke the deadlock with seconds left in the first half. Rodriguez received a pass at the edge of the penalty box, took one touch and fired at net. The shot took a deflection off a Red Bulls II defender and soared up and over goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, who made his first start for NYRB II.
On-loan striker Anatole Abang equalized for Red Bulls II in the 68th minute. Sean Davis, also on loan from the MLS team, found Abang in the six-yard box and headed the cross past goalkeeper Odisinel Cooper. The goal was Abang’s second of the season and Davis’ second USL assist, who made the start just 24 hours after making his MLS debut Friday at Red Bull Arena.
Following the equalizer, Diaz made key saves to preserve the road point for Red Bulls II. In the 75th minute, Diaz made a game-saving tackle to stop a breakaway from Charleston’s Ricky Garbanzo without committing a foul inside the box. On the final play before the whistle, a scoring chance from Charleston was saved by Diaz. The rebound fell to a wide-open Garbanzo, but his shot struck the post and deflected out of bounds.
New York improved to 1-1-2 on the season with five points (fifth place in Eastern Conference). Newly signed midfielder Bolu Akinyode made his professional debut as a substitute in the 90th minute, coming on for MLS loanee Andrew Jean-Baptiste. Goalkeeper Santiago Castano served his suspension for a red card against Wilmington Hammerheads and will be eligible to play this week.
Dan Metzger called up to U.S. Under-23 squad
U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team head coach Andi Herzog has called up New York Red Bulls II midfielder Dan Metzger to Carson, California, for the U-23’s first domestic training camp of 2015 as the team continues its preparations for qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Metzger, a Red Bulls academy product, has been involved in the Red Bulls system since 2010. Signed on March 27, 2015 by Red Bulls II, the 21-year-old has started two out of the three matches he’s appeared in for the club. Metzger has logged 229 minutes on the pitch and two shots thus far.
Richmond Kickers
After opening the season with two consecutive draws to Wilmington Hammerheads and Louisville City FC, the undefeated Kickers (2-0-2) have strung together back-to-back victories with identical score lines, 3-0. The team’s first victory came against Wilmington Hammerheads, the second meeting between the sides in a span of two weeks. Forward Jason Yeisley scored two goals on two shots and was named USL Player of the Week and USL Team of the Week for week four. Substitute Eli Garner added the third and final goal in the 90th minute.
Last weekend, Richmond hosted Charlotte Independence in a match dominated by midfielder George Davis IV. Davis IV opened the scoring on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute and doubled the Kickers’ advantage with a 54th minute goal assisted by Brian Ownby. Davis IV completed his hat-trick with a penalty kick in the 74th minute, and the Kickers claimed its second consecutive shutout victory.
Getting to know…Richmond Kickers
Founded in 1993, Richmond Kickers (along with Charleston Battery) is the oldest continuously operating professional club in the United States.
The Kickers’ official MLS affiliate is D.C. United.
In 1995, Richmond won its first, and to date only, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Richmond defender Sascha Goerres is a player/assistant coach for the Kickers, assistant coach for the Under-18 Academy of Richmond United and the head coach for the U-10 Boys Richmond Kickers Elite. He has appeared in all four matches for Richmond Kickers and recorded a game-tying assist against Louisville City FC.
Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw played college soccer at University of Richmond, joined Richmond Kickers as a player in 1993 and became the manager in 2000. Since becoming head coach, Cowlishaw has led his club to two USL championships and four USL Organization of the Year awards.
