USL New York Red Bulls II

Inside Illia Tyrkus' Historic First Goal

Published on May 21, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New York Red Bulls II News Release


Despite a tough result in Hartford, New York Red Bulls II saw a historic goal from Red Bulls Academy forward Illia Tyrkus.

In the 70th minute, Tyrkus received a pass from O'Vonte Mullings, turned, and ripped a shot from the edge of the box that found the far corner of the net.

The 16-year-old became the youngest player in USL Championship to score a goal this season.

"I've been watching him in training and then in the games for the U-17's," Head Coach Gary Lewis said. "He's a lethal goal scorer."

The match marked the fourth professional appearance for Tyrkus, who was able to find the back of the net just four minutes after checking into the match.

"He has a real clinical eye for a finisher," Lewis said. "Putting him in like that and to score a goal like that, they're the moments you crave for as a coach, when a young player goes in and does that. They give me the goosebumps more than most things."

Tyrkus is now the 23rd youngest player in league history to score a goal (16 years, 9 months, and 14 days old). He is the third youngest in club history to score, only behind Serge Ngoma and Dantouma Toure.

The goal also won USL Championship Goal of the Week for Week 10.

"It was a fantastic strike and a great moment for him," Lewis said.

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