NYRB II earn crucial three points, stave off late comeback, with 6-5 win over Orlando City B

New York Red Bulls II rebounded from their midweek defeat with a 6-5 win over Orlando City B in a game with big playoff implications.

Manager John Wolyniec made several changes to the squad that were defeated by Tampa Bay Rowdies midweek. Evan Louro replaced Rafael Diaz in goal. The back four had three changes as Gideon Baah replaced the suspended Jordan Scarlett and Hassan Ndam replaced Tim Schmoll at center back. David Najem replaced David Abidor at right back. Dan Metzger and Andrew Tinari started in the midfield in place of Arun Basuljevic and Kazu Shigenobu. Basuljevic moved into an attacking midfield role in place Vincent Bezecourt, while Florian Valot replaced Zeiko Lewis. Stefano Bonomo and Junior Flemmings started once again.

NYRB II had a great start to the game and went ahead just four minutes in. A long ball found Bonomo, who turned his man and curled one into the bottom corner to give NYRB II the early lead.

NYRB II wouldn’t have to wait long for another and it would come just eight minutes later. Valot intercepted a pass off a throw in and fired a shot from 25 yards out into the top corner to put NYRB II up 2-0.

Despite their positive start NYRB II’s lead would be cut to one just four minutes later. A good team move from Orlando City B played Michael Cox in and the forward squared the ball to Lewis Neal who tapped the ball into an empty net.

Both teams continued to create chances and Baah prevented a great opportunity for Pierre da Silva with a big tackle.

NYRB II nearly took back their two goal advantage as Bonomo headed just over the bar from a corner and Flemmings shot just wide after getting some space in the box.

The pressure would pay off as they would take a 3-1 lead three minutes before halftime through Bonomo. Valot picked out Flemmings on the back post and his shot was saved but the ball came to Bonomo and his half volley found the top corner.

Bonomo wouldn’t have to wait long to earn his hat trick as NYRB II extended their lead just six minutes into the 2nd half. Flemmings teed up Bonomo from outside the box and the striker’s shot found the bottom corner.

NYRB II continued to punish Orlando City B as they extended their lead to 5-1 just four minutes later. Najem found some space on the wing and sent in a low cross that found Basuljevic unmarked and the midfielder made no mistake as he put the chance away.

Orlando City B continued to push and grabbed a goal back when Neal’s free kick found Zach Carroll and his header beat Louro.

NYRB II continued to be on the back foot and Orlando City B grabbed another goal in the 77th minute. Neal’s free kick found Carroll who headed back across for Fernando Timbo and his shot found the back of the net.

NYRB II were able to grab another late on when Valot drew a penalty after being taken down by Timbo. The Frenchman stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to give NYRB II a 6-3 lead.

Orlando City B did grab two goals late on and the first one came from the spot. A ball over the top found Cox and substitute David Abidor took him down in the box and was sent off. Hadji Barry stepped up and scored the penalty to make it 6-4.

Orlando City B wouldn’t stop there and had a second goal just seconds later as Austin Martz was played in and slipped the ball under Louro to bring OCB within a goal.

NYRB II managed to hold off Orlando City B for the final minute to earn a crucial three points and move up to 6th place in the Eastern Conference.

NYRB II will look to clinch a playoff spot in the final week of the season as they travel to take on Rochester Rhinos. The game will take place on Saturday, October 14, at 6:05 pm.