New York Red Bulls II downed, 2-1, by Louisville City FC

New York Red Bulls II suffered a 2-1 loss to Louisville City FC on Saturday and dropped the season series against them as well.

Manager John Wolyniec made several changes to the team with some of the regulars being called up to the senior squad. Evan Louro started in goal in place of Rafael Diaz. Ethan Kutler, Jordan Scarlett and Noah Powder all retained their spots in defense, with the only change being Hassan Ndam starting in place of Tim Schmoll. David Najem and Andrew Tinari started together in the midfield once again. The front four had one change to it as Stefano Bonomo replaced Vincent Bezecourt and made his first start for the team in nearly a year. Zeiko Lewis, Junior Flemmings and Florian Valot all remained in the team.

Both teams tried to break each other down early with NYRB II using their press to try to create chances and Louisville playing the counter. Louisville had the first big chance when Brian Ownby cut the ball back for Kyle Smith but Louro was able to tip the shot over.

NYRB II continued to use their press and the pressure nearly payed off as Flemmings was able to win the ball and slip it to Valot, but his shot was blocked by the defense.

The game still continued to be fast paced, but neither team could find a way through and struggled to keep control of the ball for long periods of time. Louisville would find a breakthrough in the 39th minute to take the lead. Oscar Jimenez’s free kick found Paco Craig and his header beat Louro at the near post.

NYRB II nearly had a good chance of their own towards the end of the half, but Valot’s through ball was too long for Flemmings and he couldn’t get a touch on it.

NYRB II started out positively in the second half and could have been level 5 minutes in. Lewis made some space after a good turn and his low cross just missed Bonomo in the box.

However, just seven minutes later NYRB II would find their equalizer. Lewis was able to play in Valot and his shot was stopped, but the ball came out to Bonomo at the top of the box and he placed it in the bottom corner for his first goal of the year.

Louisville responded well to the goal and Cameron Lancaster’s free kick was saved smartly by Louro to keep the score tied.

Wolyniec sent on fresh legs to try and tilt the game in NYRB II’s favor as Zaire Bartley came on for Bonomo.

Minutes later, Louisville would take the lead and it would be once again because of a set piece. Paolo DelPiccolo’s corner found the substitute Luke Spencer who beat Louro to the ball and his header gave Louisville the lead.

NYRB II continued to try and push for an equalizer once again and were almost caught out, but Louro made a superb save to deny DelPiccolo from putting the game out of reach.

Wolyniec tried to find a spark off the bench as he sent on Kazu Shigenobu for Tinari and Schmoll for Najem.

NYRB II almost earned a draw in the late stages as Schmoll’s knockdown from a corner found Ndam, but his scissor kick was saved.

NYRB II will look to rebound in their next game against Rochester Rhinos when they travel back to Montclair St. University. The game will be on Saturday, August 5, at 4:00 pm.