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USL New York Red Bulls II

New York Red Bulls II Topples Louisville City FC 2-0 for Season's First Win

April 2, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New York Red Bulls II News Release


LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 2, 2016) - New York Red Bulls II claimed its first victory of the 2016 USL season against Louisville City FC, 2-0. Debutant Junior Flemmings opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and assisted Brandon Allen's third goal of the season in the 78th minute to close out the match.

Red Bulls II improves to 1-0-1 with the win, opening the year with a win and a draw for the second consecutive season. Dan Metzger, who started in midfield for New York, played in his first game since undergoing season-ending knee surgery in July 2015.

The windy conditions dominated the opening minutes of the game, with Red Bulls II headed directly against the elements. However, it was Louisville who created the more dangerous chances early on.

The home side put the ball in the box in the 22nd minute, getting off a shot near the penalty spot, but Konrad Plewa was there to make the sliding save.

In the 29th minute, Vincent Bezecourt took a shot from distance, which Louisville goalkeeper Scott Goodwin parried to his left. Flemmings followed the shot, beat his defender and buried the rebound at the near post from a tight angle to put New York ahead.

Shortly after the goal, Bezecourt was caught by a tackle while making a clearance and needed medical attention on the field. Although the Frenchman walked off on his own power, Red Bulls academy player Brian Saramago took his place in the 40th minute.

In the second half, with the wind at their backs, New York's defense thrived. Despite some positive build-up play from Louisville, center backs Aaron Long and Zach Carroll consistently closed down defenders on counter attacks and won their one-on-one battles.

In the 78th minute, Allen doubled NYRB II's lead. The play began when Plewa forced a turnover and played a leading ball to Flemmings. The Jamaican made a run down the right flank towards the endline and spotted Allen. Flemmings teed up the Homegrown Player, who was had plenty of space to shoot at the top of the box, and slotted his chance into the lower-right hand corner of the goal.

In stoppage time, Louisville put the ball in the back of the net, but the referee disallowed the goal for interference with goalkeeper Ryan Meara, who earned his first clean sheet of the season in the victory.

Next weekend, Red Bulls II returns home to Red Bull Arena on Sunday, April 10, where they will host Bethlehem Steel FC at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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