New York Red Bulls II Demolish Hammerheads

New York Red Bulls II have been on a roll in USL play. Stylistically, they go after their opponents and continuing to bash the opposition, leading to solid wins and a eight-game unbeaten streak. Today, the Wilmington Hammerheads came up to Red Bull Arena to become the next side to face the Baby Bulls.

Brandon Allen got on the score sheet in the 20th minute. Once again it would be the magical Derrick Etienne Jr. who made a perfect back heel flick to Allen who got a handle on the ball and rounded keeper John Smits as he came off his line to confront the attacker, leaving Allen with an open net to convert, putting NYRBII up 1-0.

That score line would hold to halftime. However, once the second half whistle blew it was all Red Bulls II; they dominated the match from there on out. Newly signed French midfielder Florian Valot stood over a wide free kick and served up a beautiful ball to the middle of the area, allowing defender Aaron Long to leap and head the ball in. Two nothing to the home side.

Stefano Bomono got taken down in the Wilmington area in the 85th minute and the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Bomono converted the spot-kick for the home side to put them up by three. Then a wonder goal from Junior Flemmings served as the final goal of the came. Flemmings cut into the box from the right wing, to then lash a ball across goalkeeper John Smits and into the top left corner of the net.

Former Red Bulls midfielder Mael Corboz came back to face his former side, but did absolutely nothing as Dan Metzger was tasked to shadow and mark him all match long and did so brilliantly. As the full-time whistle blew this Red Bulls II side are now nine straight unbeaten and are four points behind Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City.

"Definitely most proud of the fact that we kept the score at zero, we got back to our shutout ways and not give up goals. The best thing to do and they made it hard on us." said John Wolyniec, "It wasn't a game that it was in our total control, I think we played very well, we got a great handle on the game, but Wilmington is a very tough side and we able to get a great result."

What was also pleasing to see was the return to game action from French central defender Damien Perrinelle, who got only 35 minutes as the club wanted to make sure he was able to go out and finally get an opportunity to rejoin the first team. He did get off to a slow start, but as the first half began to progress you saw Perrinelle improve. Tim Schmoll subbed in for him with 10 minutes to go in the half to end his day early.

"It's amazing and is such a good feeling. It's a good step for me as I am feeling stronger. It's a good step especially with a win at the end." Said Perrinelle, "I think I was ready for 45 minutes, but I didn't know if I was going to play that much. After seven to eight months it was very tough not to play, but now I am ready for the next step."

T next match for New York Red Bulls II will be the return of the USL defending Champions as the Rochester Rhinos come back to Red Bull Arena. Bob Lilly as always will have his side prepared to take on the Baby Bulls after facing the first team in the 4th Round of the US Open Cup.