by ANTHONY J. MERCED

USL Writer

New York Red Bull II won their first road game of the season with a non-MLS squad against a listless Wilmington Hammerheads team on Saturday night.

The only goal came in the 72nd minute when Chris Tsonis scored off of a pass across the goal by Derrick Etienne. Conditions at Legion Field were extremely hot as temperatures were over 90 degrees for the majority of the game. Combined with a Red Bull II squad missing Wallace, Obekop, Castano, Sanchez and Stolz, they were able to pull off a victory in less than optimal conditions.

The first half was slow as both teams dealt with sweltering conditions and chippy play. Both teams had moments where they looked dangerous but couldn’t find the creativity for a goal. Defenseman Andrae Campbell had a few good opportunities even hitting the crossbar near the midway point of the half. Nearing the end of the half, NYRB II held more possession despite not showing a killer instinct in front of goal.

Wilmington was certainly looking for a spark but found little as the second half approached. From the whistle at the 45th minute, NYRB II looked to dominate the pace. They held the ball and were rewarded when Derrick Etienne, who once again showed his class by breaking through the defense and placing the ball at the feet of striker Chris Tsonis for the only goal of the game. Wilmington did press late in the game, testing NYRB II’s habit of surrendering late goals.

Goalkeeper Andre Rawls was shown a red card late into stoppage but Tsonis was not able to slot away the penalty as the game ended with a final score of 1-0.

Next up, New York makes a trip to Louisville Slugger Field to play Louisville City FC. The team now sits tied for fifth in the league has a 1-1-1 record halfway though this massive roadtrip.