by ANTHONY J. MERCED

HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bull II opened their USL 2016 season with a hard fought draw against Toronto FC II at Red Bull Arena on Saturday afternoon, with two goals from homegrown signing Brandon Allen.

After falling behind late in the first half, Allen’s two second half goals equalized the game and sent New York away with a share of the points.

“Coming in I felt pretty good and it’s good to come out with a tie — but hopefully next time we get the W,” said Allen, who was also in goal scoring form during the preseason. Allen converted on a rebound after a penalty opportunity and then placed a pass from Sean Davis past Toronto FC II keeper Alex Bono just four minutes later.

Head coach John Wolyniec also had a tough task getting his team back on track after an impressive first half that yielded a negative result.

“It was really deflating,” said Wolyniec. “I felt like we were doing a lot of good things. I think we started the game okay and then gradually started to get a grip on the game.”

New York was very well organized in the first half and generated a number of opportunities with Stefano Bonomo, Brandon Allen and Derrick Etienne at the top of the attack. For the most part, Toronto was kept on the back foot with a chance by midfielder Alex Muyl being one of the more dangerous scoring chances. Bonomo also had his fair share of shots to put New York ahead but he failed to do so.

The game took a turn in the 34th minute as Molham Babouli sent a ball into the six yard box, finding the feet of Raheem Edwards. From there, Toronto found the confidence to continue their push as a second goal came just before the half. Defender Skylar Thomas put a close range ball into the back of the net seemingly putting the Canadian side in the driver’s seat.

All of that changed early into the second half as a substitution to bring on Devon Williams altered the game. Head coach Wolyniec moved midfielder Tyler Adams out wide and the flow of the game changed drastically. Going with seemingly four players in attack, NYRB II was able to draw a penalty when Derrick Etienne was brought down in the box in the 66th minute. Brandon Allen took the penalty and despite having the attempt saved, stuck with the play and finished the rebound. Just four minutes later, Allen turned on a ball that was put in the box by Sean Davis and sent it off of the goalkeeper for his second goal of the game.

New York will now travel to Louisville to take on Louisville City FC next Saturday afternoon. Last season the Red Bull II won the only meeting at Louisville Slugger Stadium 2-0.

Starting IX:

New York Red Bull II: Meara; Powder, Schmoll (Williams), Carroll (Deeds), Long, Adams, Davis, Etienne, Muyl (Bezecourt), Allen, Bonomo

Toronto FC II: Bono, Bloom, Taintor, Thomas, Osorio, Mannella, James (Bouchard), Daniels (Johnson), Babouli, Edwards, Bernal

Scoring Summary:

‘35 minute: Raheem Edwards (1) assisted by Molham Babouli

‘45 minute: Skylar Thomas (1) unassisted

‘66 minute: Brandon Allen (1) unassisted

‘70 minute: Brandon Allen (1) Sean Davis