MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

HARRISON, N.J. – A goal by Sean Davis in the seventh minute was all New York Red Bull II needed to win their fourth straight game.

The performance was highlighted by the large number of MLS talent involved with eight loanees featured from the MLS Red Bull side, including Shaun Wright-Phillips and Gonzalo Veron.

“It’s not always so easy,” said head coach John Wolyinec after the game when discussing the integration of MLS talent into the USL side. “It’s a little bit tricky. But at the same time we try to do things the same as the first team. We employ the same tactics. The games look a little different so there’s always a bit of adjustment there.”

Red Bull II came out of the gate fast in the first half pushing Harrisburg and dominating the field. Alex Muyl helped to create the first goal when he took the ball towards the end line, playing it into the box. A deflection off a Harrisburg defender found the feet of Sean Davis who scored his first USL goal this season.

From there, Harrisburg attempted to snatch the momentum but New York was organized and denied Harrisburg any significant chances.

“Obviously you like to finish more but sometimes that’s just the way things go,” said John Wolyinec when talking about the team’s recent run of one goal games. “I usually get more concerned when you don’t see the chances coming or you can’t break teams down. A lot of times the ball will end up going in the goal as long as you keep creating chances.”

Red Bull II continued to create chances in the second half but nearly allowed Harrisburg back into the game with Craig Foster getting several chances to equalize. The defense bent but didn’t break and despite the dramatic change in personnel, maintained their run of clean sheets on their way to victory — and the top of the Eastern Conference.

With the win NYRB II passes Louisville City for possession of first place based on goal differential. Louisville will play later this weekend against the Wilmington Hammerheads.

Up next for New York is a trip to Orlando to play Orlando City B who have been hot and cold this season. Red Bull II hasn’t allowed a goal in over 360 minutes and hope to keep the streak going in Florida.

STARTING XI:

New York Red Bull II: Reynish; Bilyeu, Carroll, Baah (63′ Schmoll), Long (78′ Texiera); Davis (68′ Metzger), Williams, Wright-Phillips (87′ Simpara), Muyl (63′ Etienne Jr.); Allen, Veron

Harrisburg City Islanders: Noble; Thomas, Doyle, Johnson (85′ Liverock), McLaws; Barril, Warshaw (Dabo), Diprimo, Bolduc (70′ Benbow), Wilson; Foster

DISCIPLINE:

43′ Yellow Card: NYRB II Devon Williams

54′ Yellow Card: NYRB II Alex Muyl

GOALS:

7′ NYRB II: Sean Davis (1) assisted by Alex Muyl