EAST HANOVER, N.J. (August 2, 2015) – New York Red Bulls II claimed their third consecutive victory against Saint Louis FC at the Red Bulls Training Facility in East Hanover, 2-1. Marius Obekop opened the scoring in the 40th minute, and Franklin Castellanos claimed the game-winner in the 90+’ minute.

New York Red Bulls II improved to 9-7-4 with the victory, and remain one-point behind Richmond Kickers in the Eastern Conference standings.

Saint Louis had the first scoring chance of the match when Mike Ambersley was able to chip Santiago Castano, but James Thomas was in position to clear it off the line.

Ex-Red Bulls player Brandon Barklage, who was wearing the captain’s armband for Saint Louis, came off for Bryan Gaul in the 28th minute.

Red Bulls II nearly took the lead through Leo Stolz, when he narrowly missed a free kick. Set up from about 5-yards outside of the penalty box, Stolz struck his shot around the wall towards the bottom right corner and forced goalkeeper Alec Kann to make a diving save to keep out the shot.

New York finally took the lead in the 40th minute, thanks to a lethal counterattack. Saint Louis earned a corner kick, but the cross fell short and NYRB II gained possession. As numbers flew forward, Thomas spotted Obekop making a central run. Thomas’ pass split the defense and left Obekop alone with the goalkeeper, and carefully finished to put New York ahead.

In the second half, Saint Louis tightened up their defense and limited New York’s chances. Brian Ciesiulka, a second half substitute, leveled the match in the 72nd minute with his first touch of the match.

Saint Louis nearly grabbed the lead when Ambersley fired from close range, but Castano was there to make the point-blank save and keep the game tied.

Red Bulls II began to find their attacking edge in the late stages of the match. Stolz found himself in space late and slammed his shot towards goal, but a Saint Louis defender was there to make the block.

New York claimed the win in stoppage time, thanks to second half substitute Castellanos. The Academy product played a quick one-two with Dan Bedoya at the top of the 18-yard box and buried his chance to claim an important three-points, and maintain sole possession of fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

New York Red Bulls II will be back in action on Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. EDT on the road as they take on Charlotte Independence.

Scoring Summary

NY: Marius Obekop (James Thomas) 40’

Marius Obekop (James Thomas) 40’ STL: Brian Ciesiulka 72’

Brian Ciesiulka 72’ NY: Franklin Castellanos (Dan Bedoya) 90+’

Discipline Summary

STL: Jeremy Lynch, Caution 49’

Jeremy Lynch, Caution 49’ NY: Leo Stolz, Caution 63’

Leo Stolz, Caution 63’ STL: Charles Renken, Caution 68’

Charles Renken, Caution 68’ STL: Pete Kelly, Caution 84’

Lineups

NY: Santiago Castano, James Thomas (Henry Martin, 58’), Shawn McLaws, Konrad Plewa, Colin Heffron, Leo Stolz, Devon Williams (Dan Bedoya, 88’), Marius Obekop (Bolu Akinyode, 73’), Manolo Sanchez, Chris Tsonis (Stefano Bonomo, 63’), Juan Sanchez (Franklin Castellanos, 75’)

Unused Substitutes: Rafael Diaz, Victor Manosalvas

STL: Alec Kann, Nick Bibbs (Brian Ciesiulka, 73’), Sam Fink, James Musa, Patrick Doody; Parker Maher, Brandon Barklage (Bryan Gaul, 28’), Jacob Bushue, Kentaro Takada (Jeremy Lynch, 46’; Pete Kelly, 73’); Jamiel Hardware (Charles Renken, 46’), Mike Ambersley

Unused Substitutes: Mark Pais, Chad Vandergriffe