Michael Amir Murillo’s first competitive appearance since joining the New York Red Bulls was for the club’s reserves in USL. He got to experience playing at Red Bull Arena, and had his first real test as a full back in the RBNY system - which was largely the point of the exercise, so he got what he most needed out of close to 70 minutes work for NYRB II.
But he will have hoped for a slightly better memory of his first game in a Red Bulls shirt. Murillo had the tough assignment of keeping Harrisburg City Islanders’ Manolo Sanchez quiet - something he succeeded in doing only occasionally.
Murillo was subbed out shortly after Sanchez scored the 62nd minute goal that would win the game for Harrisburg. Better days surely lie ahead for the Panamanian full back, who is well-regarded by RBNY’s coaching staff.
But Matthew Stith was at Red Bull Arena on April 5, 2017, to capture Michael Amir Murillo’s first competitive game as a Red Bull.
Nice day for NYRB II at RBA
Matthew Stith
RBA is ready for some football
Matthew Stith
Time to get warm
Matthew Stith
NYRB II brought in some first team faces for this one, including Brandon Allen and Michael Amir Murillo
Matthew Stith
Murillo made his pro debut in Panama at 18 years old, and his national team debut in 2016. In 2017, he gets his NYRB II (as a prelude to his RBNY debut, we assume).
Matthew Stith
The starting lineup: NYRB II vs Harrisburg City Islanders; USL 2017, Red Bull Arena; April 5, 2017
Matthew Stith
Murillo gets into with Harrisburg’s Manolo Sanchez - not for the first or last time
Matthew Stith
Looks like Sanchez wants the ball again
Matthew Stith
Come get it if you want it, Manolo
Matthew Stith
The tussle with Sanchez would define Murillo’s NYRB II debut
Matthew Stith
At the other end of the field, Harrisburg’s Lee Nishanian got acquainted with Murillo
Matthew Stith
It was quite a physical game...
Matthew Stith
...scratch that - it was a very physical game
Matthew Stith
Murillo says calm down before someone gets hurt
Matthew Stith
Told you someone would get hurt
Matthew Stith
Watch and learn, Michael: Dan Metzger knows how to navigate a rough-and-tumble game
Matthew Stith
Murillo in full stride
Matthew Stith
Former RBNY player Manolo Sanchez had the last laugh in the end
Matthew Stith
The City Islanders celebrate Sanchez’s match-winner
Matthew Stith
Ibrahim Sekagya offers match-winner Manolo his congratulations
Matthew Stith