NYRB II draw 2-2 with Ottawa Fury FC, extend unbeaten streak to 4 games

New York Red Bulls II settled for a point with a 2-2 draw against Ottawa Fury FC on Sunday.

Manager John Wolyniec made five changes to the team that defeated FC Cincinnati last weekend. Evan Louro started in place of Rafael Diaz in goal. The backline had two changes as Tim Schmoll replaced the suspended Hassan Ndam, while Ethan Kutler started at right back. Jordan Scarlett and Noah Powder retained their spots. Andrew Tinari started in the midfield alongside David Najem who moved there from right back. The front four had two changes as Dilly Duka replaced Zeiko Lewis and Derrick Etienne replaced Junior Flemmings. Stefano Bonomo and Florian Valot started once again.

The game provided little action in the first 20 minutes while both teams looked to break each other down. Despite the lack of chances Ottawa would take the lead in the 21st minute courtesy of a set piece. Carl Haworth’s long throw was flicked on to Steevan Dos Santos and his volley beat Louro to give the Fury the lead.

Ottawa had a chance to double their advantage when Dos Santos nearly had a second but he skied his shot over from in close.

NYRBII would capitalize a minute later and found their equalizer. Tinari’s cross in from a free kick found Valot and his header beat Ottawa keeper Callum Irving to tie the game at one apiece.

The game opened up after the goal and both teams had chances before the half to take the lead, but neither were able to break the tie.

NYRBII started out the second half the better side and had two great chances to take the lead early on. Tinari’s free kick found Bonomo but he sent his free header wide of the post.

Bonomo was again involved in the second chance as he and Valot were put in by Etienne’s great flick, but striker’s pass was too far for Valot to tap in.

Both teams continued to push to find the tiebreaker and Duka had his powerful shot saved by Irving after he was played in by Valot.

NYRBII would finally get their breakthrough in the 78th minute through Tinari The midfielder intercepted a pass and played a give and go with Valot and although his initial shot was blocked, his follow-up found the net to give NYRBII the lead.

Wolyniec made two changes to the team to ensure the victory as he sent on David Abidor for Duka and Flemmings for Etienne.

NYRBII had a chance to put the game out of reach but Valot’s deflected shot was brilliantly saved by Irving and Tinari’s follow up shot was saved as well.

Those saves proved to be huge as Ottawa equalized in the final minute of stoppage time. Jamar Dixon’s header was saved by Louro, but Ramon del Campo was there to put in the rebound.

Flemmings nearly won it for NYRBII at the death, but his shot was pushed away by Irving and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

NYRBII will look to continue their unbeaten run when they return home this weekend to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The game will be on Saturday, September 2, at 4:00 pm.