NYRB II rout Indy Eleven with 4-1 win

New York Red Bulls II closed out the month of May with a 4-1 win over Indy Eleven on Sunday.

Manager John Wolyniec opted to change up the team a little for this game. Evan Louro started in goal. Ethan Kutler started at left back, while Hassan Ndam and Kevin Politz were the pairing at center back, Connor Lade captained the squad and started at right back. Cristian Cásseres and Chris Lema started in the holding midfield while Andrew Tinari moved back to the “10” role. Brian White started up top, with Carlos Rivas flanking him to the left, while Jared Stroud started on the right.

NYRB II had chances early on as Tinari tested Indy Eleven keeper Owain Fon Williams but the shot was saved comfortably.

Wolyniec’s men continued to push and Cásseres shot from 25 yards out was saved by Fon Williams as well.

However, Indy Eleven would be the first team on the board in this one. A ball over the top found Nathan Lewis who’s backheel found Soony Saad and the forward’s shot beat Louro to give the visitors the lead.

The visitors almost double their advantage after Jack McInerney was able to find some space in behind, but Louro made a great save to deny the forward.

NYRB II had some great chances to level the score before the half. Tinari was denied by Fon Williams after being played in by White and Stroud’s follow up attempt was blocked as well.

Moments later Ndam had his header from a corner cleared off the line as the visitors continued to hold NYRB II at bay.

Wolyniec made no changes at the break and NYRB II nearly had the score tied up a minute into the second half. Tinari’s through ball picked out Rivas, but his shot just missed the far corner.

The hosts’ pressure would finally pay off and NYRB II tied the game in the 56th minute. A bad giveaway by Indy’s defense allowed Brian White to round Fon Williams and score into an empty net.

NYRB II would grab the lead minutes later. Another mistake from Indy’s defense lead to a chance and White’s shot was saved, but Rivas’ follow up attempt was handled inside of the area.

Rivas stepped up and sent Fon Williams the wrong way to give NYRB II the lead.

Wolyniec decided to make a change minutes after the goal as he sent on Amando Moreno for Rivas.

Things would only improve for Wolyniec’s troops as Indy were reduced to 10 men following a hard foul and scuffle that ensued and Nico Matern was sent off.

NYRB II would pile on the pressure after the sending off and Moreno added a third in the 83rd minute after Stroud’s cross found him at the back post for a tap in.

Stroud would then make way for Tom Barlow as NYRB II used their final substitution.

It wouldn’t take long for Barlow to make an impact as he scored his first goal of the year deep into stoppage time. The forward’s curled effort from outside the box hit the crossbar, but Cásseres picked him out and the Wisconsin man effort found the corner of the net to put NYRB II up 4-1 which would be the final.

For Barlow he hadn’t played much this year but he made sure he was ready to take his chance when give it.

It’s tough, guys are coming down so you never know when you’re going to get your chance to play. For me it’s making sure I’m always ready when coach calls my name. He called me today and I was able to put a goal in and we got the win.

Wolyniec was full of praise for his side after they battled back in the second half after some things didn’t go their way

Indy’s a good challenge. It was not an easy game for us, they’re a good team they worked hard and they’re organized defensively. We had a pretty good first half, a couple plays go against us and we end up behind. To be able to fight back and still go after the game, was great. I think our response in the second half was fantastic. Once we got the first goal you could see the guys were more relaxed. Overall a pretty good performance from us.

Wolyniec also praised his midfield for their strong performance and the competition among the position as well.

We always rely on the guys in the middle of the field, I thought it was an interesting battle. They have three guys in the middle of the field that can play. You have to love Cristian (Cásseres) coming in and putting in the energy that he did after being out of the lineup for so long. Chris (Lema) has really stepped up and done well and he’s attacked a lot of things we want put into the game in a good way. Andrew (Tinari) is one of the leaders on the team and has been a big part of this for the last two years. Steve’s (Echevarria) knocking on the door to get in and Jose (Aguinaga) has been good at times this year too, I’m not leaning on any particular group. For me it’s having 4,5,6 guys that can play those positions and battle it out during the week and see who ends ahead on the weekend.

NYRB II will look to continue their winning ways when they welcome FC Cincinnati for their final game at Red Bull Arena this season. The game will take place on Saturday, June 2, at 1:00 pm.