NYRB II thrash Charleston Battery with 5-2 win

New York Red Bulls II won their second game of the season on Saturday as they defeated Charleston Battery by a score of 5-2.

Manager John Wolyniec opted to change up the formation from a 3-4-3 in the previous game to a 4-2-3-1. Evan Louro started in goal, while the back four consisted of Niko De Vera, Jordan Scarlett, Hassan Ndam and Ethan Kutler. Steven Echevarria and Cristian Cásseres who made his first started for NYRB II started as the holding midfielders. Andrew Tinari started in the “10” role flanked by Amando Moreno and Ben Mines. Brian White made his third consecutive start up top.

NYRB II started out positive early on and Echevarria nearly opened the scoring after Tinari’s layoff found him at the top of the box, but his shot was denied brilliantly by Charleston keeper Odisnel Cooper.

Charleston did have a good opportunity to open the scoring but Louro cut Ian Svantesson’s angle well and denied him.

Wolyniec’s troops continued to look for an opening goal and Ndam just missed getting on the end of a Tinari corner.

NYRB II finally found their breakthrough three minutes before half and it came courtesy of a penalty. After a nice move Ben Mines was taken down in the box and Brian White stepped up and sent Cooper the wrong way to give NYRB II the lead headed into half.

The Baby Bulls wouldn’t wait too long in the second half as they doubled their advantage just two minutes in. White was put through by Mines and although his shot was blocked he found Tinari and the midfielder’s blast hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

NYRB II would add a third just three minutes later when Tinari’s low cross from a free kick came through to Mines whose shot hit the post and found the back of the net.

Charleston would grab one back after a poor back pass by Cásseres was intercepted by Ataulla Guerra and although Louro made a good stop to deny him Tah Anunga was there to put home the rebound.

NYRB II would respond with a goal five minutes later, Tinari sent in a cross that was deflected by Cooper right to Moreno who scored.

Moreno wouldn’t wait long to add his second and five minutes later he beat Cooper to a ball over the top by Kutler and scored into an empty net to put NYRB II up 5-1.

Moreno was happy with the team’s performance and how they rebounded from their loss the previous week.

I think the team had a great performance. The crosses coming in from the right side, pretty much helped me get the goals. I think we were solid defensively (and that) really helped us out, Hassan (Ndam) winning a couple balls in the back, Evan (Louro) with some big saves. It really got (the team) pumped up to keep going.

Charleston did grab another consolation goal when a ball over the top found Anunga who was able to hold off the defense and beat Louro for his second goal.

NYRB II were able to see out the rest of the game and walk away with a 5-2 win and go to 2-0-0 at home to start the season.

Wolyniec was happy with his team and how the backline was a big reason for the team’s ability to go forward.

It’s always good to get the three points at home, we scored a bunch of goals today. A lot of the credit has to go to the backline, I think we were a bit more solid today. That allows us to continue our attacks and keep pressure on the other team, which leads to more and better chances. It took us a little while to get going which is a little frustrating. You can see right from the second half that we had a little bit better mentality and process to the game.

Wolyniec said that the formation change helped the backline out and he felt they were more comfortable at the back despite conceding two goals.

I think they responded pretty well, in general I think we have a bit more comfort with that (four at the back). Even though we’ve played a lot of 5 at the back this year we did play with some four at the back in preseason. I’m hoping that guys will get comfort in both formations. Today was just a little of the personal well have, the opponent and maybe trying to find some comfort level or confidence. Even though we gave up two goals which was a little disappointing because they were a little soft, it felt like we were stable back there in a lot of ways.

NYRB II will look to build on their strong performance next week when they travel to take on Richmond Kickers. The game will take place on Saturday, April 7, at 5:00 pm.