IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

Anatole Abang managed a late brace to put distance between the New York Red Bulls and the University of Central Florida in a 5-3 win in Davenport, Florida.

Saturday’s action was Abang’s first meaningful action since picking up a hamstring early in the preseason. Ronald Zubar also saw minutes and scored the Red Bulls’ second goal on the evening. Bradley Wright-Phillips opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Sacha Kljestan added the other goal in New York’s five goal outburst.

Wright-Phillips started the scoring early, putting away a Gonzalo Veron assist for the 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. UCF picked up their first of two penalty shots on the match, which Jakov Basic put away to tie the game. Zubar answered two minutes later to put New York back on top, and Kljestan did added a goal just five minutes later.

Another UCF penalty was converted to start the second half, but late match substitute Abang made sure they would not mount a comeback, scoring a brace in the final 16 minutes of the match.

The Red Bulls continue preseason play Wednesday in Clearwater vs. the Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with live coverage via Red Bulls Radio on TuneIn.

Scoring Summary:

NY – Bradley Wright-Phillips (Gonzalo Veron) 12′

UCF – Jakov Basic (Penalty kick) 27′

NY – Ronald Zubar 29′

NY – Sacha Kljestan (Kemar Lawrence) 34′

UCF – Penalty kick 54′

NY – Anatole Abang, 74′

NY – Anatole Abang (Lloyd Sam) 90′

Misconduct Summary:

NY- Gideon Baah (caution, foul) 50′

New York Red Bulls: Luis Robles (Kyle Reynish, 71′); Kemar Lawrence (Connor Lade, 54′), Gideon Baah (Aaron Long, 58′), Ronald Zubar (Karl Ouimette, 32′), Sal Zizzo (Chris Duvall, 71′), Dax McCarty © (Sean Davis, 71′), Felipe (Tyler Adams, 71′), Sacha Kljestan (Alex Muyl, 71′), Mike Grella (Stefano Bonomo, 71′), Gonzalo Veron (Anatole Abang, 58′), Bradley Wright-Phillips (Lloyd Sam, 64′)