Etienne Jr. and Red Bulls 2 Outruns Bethlehem Steel

Red Bulls 2 came back home after a successful road game at Louisville City to face the new version of the Bethlehem Steel and face off against some of the top prospects from the Philadelphia Union. This match was over before it began as the Red Bulls 2 thrashed the upstart USL side with a four goals to nil victory that gave Ryan Meara his second clean sheet of the season.

Midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr. had a fantastic game as he ran the Steel ragged and forced plays as well as creating some down the right flank on the field. Especially forcing the Steel to give Red Bulls 2 the opening goal inside the first 11 seconds of the match. After the opening kickoff the Steel took control of the ball and a bad pass was intercepted by Etienne Jr., as he was crossing the ball Steel defender Josh Yoro tried to stop it and deflected the ball inside his own net for an own goal.

In the 4th minute another chance came to Red Bulls 2 as they built up this attack in the middle of the field. Etienne Jr. was given the ball near the top of the Steel area. Alex Muyl found space to collect the pass from Etienne Jr. and made a turnaround shot that splashes inside the far post for his first of the season.

Then it was Anatole Abang's turn to convert in the 41st minute as Etienne Jr. stole another bad pass from the Steel and attacked down the middle. A quick pass to the far side towards Brandon Allen that led to a quick cross towards Abang who gets his first of the season.

Finally Etienne Jr. get his tally as he made it four to nil with a great pass from Junior Flemmings that was able to slice thru the defense and as John McCarthy came off his line to prevent a shot, but Etienne Jr. chips McCarthy and the ball bounces in. "Very pleased with my performance, always want to go out there and help the team out, said Etienne Jr., "Glad I was able to go out there and convert a goal and two assists tonight."

The only moment for the Steel was a penalty that was awarded to them in the 19th minute as Ryan Meara took down Fabian Herbers in the area. So it was Leo Fernandes who took the spot kick and Meara made the diving save to his left stopping the ball at the near post.

So this Red Bulls 2 side is currently undefeated with two wins and a draw and how does head coach John Wolyniec feel about this performance. "I think we did very well, a lot of good things came out of the game. We preached to have a fast start and get after the game & we got that fast goal." said Wolyniec, "Obviously Ryan (Meara) helped out getting that big penalty save and Etienne Jr. makes a great play to give us the early lead and all he needs is consistent games to continue to play strong."

So the next game for this Red Bulls 2 side will be on Sunday afternoon on April 17th back at Red Bull Arena as they will face the defending USL Champions in the Rochester Rhinos.