Gallery: New York Red Bulls II’s Zeiko Lewis vs Harrisburg City Islanders; April 5, 2017

NYRB II is off to an uneven start in USL 2017: a 3-3 draw on the road in Pittsburgh, followed by a 1-0 home win over Richmond Kickers and a 1-0 home loss to Harrisburg City Islanders. The team is still working its way into the new season, with several new recruits in key positions, and the usual necessity to make room in the lineup for first-teamers requiring time on the field to stay sharp or find form.

Still, even in the early stages of the season, one or two players on the II team have found opportunity to boost their profile and reputation. Among those showing signs of potential for success this season: Zeiko Lewis.

Picked 17th overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by New York Red Bulls, Lewis is still best known for his reaction to being considered merely one of the top 20 prospects in this year’s draft. But he is quickly establishing his bona fides on the field in USL. He scored on his debut for NYRB II against Richmond, and he was arguably the team’s greatest attacking threat against Harrisburg.

As the year progresses, it now seems likely we’ll hear increasingly less about Lewis’ (amazing) Draft Day speech and more about what his play on the field is saying about him.

For now, enjoy a few Matthew Stith shots of Lewis in action against Harrisburg.

Grid View

• NYRB II came back to play at Red Bull Arena on April 5, 2017 Matthew Stith
• RBNY selected Zeiko Lewis with the 17th overall pick of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Matthew Stith
• For 2017, Lewis is on a season-long loan to NYRB II, the Red Bulls reserve team. Matthew Stith
• The Bermuda national-teamer scored a goal for NYRB II on his debut, against Richmond Kickers on April 1, 2017 Matthew Stith
• First-team regular Alex Muyl was one of several players from RBNY’s MLS squad loaned down to NYRB II for the game Matthew Stith
• With NYRB II, Lewis will get regular starts in USL and opportunities to play alongside and against current and former MLS players Matthew Stith
• Manolo Sanchez - drafted by RBNY and given time with NYRB II to prove himself - flanks Lewis as the teams walk out at RBA Matthew Stith
• The match against Harrisburg City Islanders was frustrating for NYRB II Matthew Stith
• Very frustrating Matthew Stith
• Harrisburg played a compact, physical game to limit NYRB II’s chances Matthew Stith
• The chances NYRB II did get were missed Matthew Stith
• In the second half, with his team down a goal, Lewis got one-on-one with Harrisburg ‘keeper Brandon Miller... Matthew Stith
• ...his shot went wide. Matthew Stith
• Active and inventive on the ball: Lewis enhanced his reputation in NYRB II’s 1-0 loss to Harrisburg. Matthew Stith

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