NYRB II Host Swope Park Rangers in USL Cup Final
October 21, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New York Red Bulls II News Release
HARRISON, N.J. - New York Red Bulls II hosts Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final at 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at Red Bull Arena. NYRB II looks to cap off a historic season with a Championship in its second year of existence.
NYRB II enters on a 14-game undefeated streak, with 12 victories in the past 13 games. Red Bulls II is 11-2-4 at home this season.
New York advanced to the final by defeating Louisville City FC last Sunday. New York took a 4-3 penalty kick victory over Louisville City FC after a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime. Florian Valot scored off of a Vincent Bezecourt set piece for Red Bulls II to tie the match, and Ryan Meara saved two penalty attempts.
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, New York defeated Rochester 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout. This came after a back and forth regulation and overtime left the teams tied 3-3. Brandon Allen had two goals in the game, while Konrad Plewa scored the decisive PK in the shootout.
NYRB II finished the regular season with a 21-3-6 record, cruising to the USL regular season title with a 9-0-1 record over its last 10 games. The club set new USL records for most points, wins, and goals scored in a single season, and finished with a +40 goal differential, scoring 61 and conceding just 21 times in 30 matches.
Swope Park Rangers finished the season at 14-10-6, and entered the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Red Bulls II and Rangers have never played against each other. This is the inaugural season for Swope Park Rangers, the USL affiliate of Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City.
Swope Park is led by Mark Anthony Gonzalez, who finished the regular season with a team-leading nine goals. Ayrton Pinheiro Victor has recorded seven assists on the season, tied for third most in the league. Defender Amer Didic was named to the USL All-League First Team.
In Swope Park's first three playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 8-1. The Western Conference had its fair share of upsets, as the fourth seeded Rangers faced the five, eight, and six seeds on their way to the USL Cup Final.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 21, 2016
- Ryan Martin to Pursue New Opportunities - FC Cincinnati
- NYRB II Host Swope Park Rangers in USL Cup Final - New York Red Bulls II
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