MONTCLAIR, N.J. (May 6, 2017) – New York Red Bulls II defeated the Harrisburg City Islanders, 3-1, Saturday at MSU Soccer Park to avenge a early season loss to them at Red Bull Arena.
Opportunity presented itself early in the match as NYRB II goalkeeper Evan Louro was forced to come off his line with a diving header clearance in the sixth minute clear a Harrisburg long ball.
In the 26th minute, Brandon Allen drew a penalty-kick after a collision with the Islanders goalkeeper in the box.
Allen stepped up the spot and buried his third goal of the season.
Harrisburg‘s Aaron Wheeler equalized just before halftime off a corner kick heading home his effort past a diving Louro.
Coming out of halftime, Red Bulls II better established possession and chances created in the second half.
New York’s persistence culminated in the 57th minute as Zeiko Lewis this time earned a penalty-kick being tripped up in the box.
Brandon Allen would bag his brace with a cheeky finish down the middle to put NYRB II up 2-1.
Newly-signed forward Douglas Martinez made his Red Bulls II debut in the 75th minute and didn’t waste any time scoring four minutes into his debut off a low cross in from Justin Bilyeu.
That goal would seal the full result for Red Bulls II as they remain undefeated at MSU Soccer Park (3-0-0).
NYRB II face a quick turnaround as they hit the road for a Thursday night match at the Charlotte Independence.
New York: Louro; Najem (68th minute, Tim Schmoll), Abidor, Bilyeu, O’Toole; Basuljevic, Metzger; Valot, Bezecourt, Lewis (87th minute, Andrew Tinari); Allen (75th minute, Douglas Martinez)
Harrisburg: Noble; McLaws, Calvano, Nishanian, Thomas; Olabiyi, Dabo; Benbow (72nd minute, Mike Olla), Wilson (87th minute, Ropapa Mensah), Mendoza (78th minute, Manolo Sanchez); Wheeler
Scoring:
New York: Brandon Allen 26’ 57’, Martinez 79’
Harrisburg: Wheeler 39’
Discipline:
New York: Bilyeu (50th minute, yellow card)
Harrisburg: Noble (25th minute, yellow card)
