MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

New York Red Bull II dropped their first road game of the season to the Richmond Kickers on a 90th minute goal from Jackson Eskay.

The late goal delivers the first road loss of the season for New York Red Bull II (12-3-5, 31 pts.), who lose ground on first place Louisville City FC (12-3-6, 32 pts.). It is also the first time they’ve dropped consecutive games all season long. Despite the return of Tyler Adams and Derrick Etienne Jr., Richmond was able to produce the same kind of late magic that they did back in May at Red Bull Arena, giving the Kickers the series win on the season (1-0-1).

The opening 12 minutes produced two goals, with Brandon Allen finding net first. Though he missed a penalty kick in the ninth minute, Allen converted an opportunity just one minute later. The lead lasted just two minutes as Tyler Adams took down a Kickers player in the box with Yudai Imura converting the penalty to equalize the game.

The rest of the half saw chippy play by both teams as the rainy weather affected the flow of the match. New York had the pace but Richmond played their counter-game effectively. Ryan Meara kept them at bay, proving up to the task.

The second half showcased more of New York’s defensive strength. Schmoll and Carrol stood up to Anthony Grant and Samuel Asante who provided the pressure for Richmond. Ryan Meara was called into action on more than one occasion to keep New York in the game. However, the team turned it around with substitutes Simpara and Bezecourt providing an extra push on offense. Despite some late momentum, New York was not able to find the game winning goal.

Stoppage time was the deciding moment as Jackson Eskay scored his first goal of the season when the ball came loose from a late freekick. New York had little time to respond and dropped the game in dramatic fashion.

Next up for New York is a chance to get back on track with a game against lowly Harrisburg City at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

STARTING XI:

New York Red Bull II: Meara; O’Toole, Schmoll, Carroll, Plewa; Metzger, Adams, Etienne Jr.; Valot, Allen, Abang

GOALS:

’10 NYRB II: Brandon Allen (9) assisted by Derrick Etienne Jr. (5)

’12 Richmond Kickers: Yudai Imura (7)

’90 Richmond Kickers Eskay (1)