RECAP New York Red Bulls 0 - 2 Rochester Rhinos

New York Red Bulls II dropped a tough away match to the Rochester Rhinos, 2-0. Alex Dixon and Jonny Mendoza scored for the Rhinos. The undefeated Rhinos finished their opportunities and were able to withstand a constant attack from a Red Bulls team that is still lacking the killer instinct.

The tough Rochester defense lived up to its reputation and didn't concede. The Red Bulls' best chance came via a Danny Bedoya run, but his shot clanged off the crossbar.

Here are some things I noticed.

Castano had a good match

Castano bounced back from his mental error against the Richmond Kickers and made some good saves. Unfortunately his best save of the match resulted in a goal for Rochester. He parried the ball away to the side, but directly into the path of Alex Dixon who one touched the ball into the net. Bad luck, but the goal was caused by...

Jean-Baptiste lapses in concentration

Andrew Jean-Baptiste, on loan from the MLS club, made two errors today and both led to goals for Rochester. Although he was hyped as a player who would immediately contribute to the senior team, he has struggled to play a consistent 90 minutes. And then you remember that he's still only 22 years old and I'm older than him and done nothing with my life so I should really stop criticizing him.

Finishing still lacking

The Baby Bulls have scored 1 goal in 4 matches. That has to change. It should be said that the team has been very unlucky not to score, but at some point the striker options have to be examined. Anatole Abang won't be playing every match in USL due to the lack of depth at the MLS club. Chris Tsonis isn't scoring. He will in the future (he's scored everywhere else), but he isn't right now. Should Academy players Juan Sebastian Sanchez and Ethan Lochner get a longer look at the position?

Other thoughts

- Manolo Sanchez remains interesting. I like what he does. Once he starts scoring, he's not going to stop.

- Derrick Etienne wasn't given enough of a chance to shine today. Give him the ball. Let him operate.

- #DubaTrain

- Is Rochester our rival now? I don't know if I can muster any hate for the Rhinos. They seem like decent people.

- Sahlen Stadium has cheerleaders and they play music while the game is being played. I don't hate it.

Aaron Bauer will around later with a full recap. He's currently at your favorite bar refilling bottles of top shelf liquor with a lower quality product.