NYRB II earn point in trip to Richmond

New York Red Bulls II earned a point in their second road game of the season on Saturday as they drew with Richmond Kickers 1-1.

Manager John Wolyniec made one changed to the team that defeated Charleston Battery last weekend. Evan Louro started in net, while the back four of Niko De Vera, Jordan Scarlett, Hassan Ndam and Ethan Kutler remained unchanged. Steven Echevarria and Cristian Cásseres started as the holding midfielders once again. Up front their was one change as Stefano Bonomo replaced Brian White. Andrew Tinari, Ben Mines and Amando Moreno all played once again in their attacking roles.

NYRB II were hit with an injury just six minutes in, as Echevarria went down after a challenge.

The midfielder tried to continue, but was unable to and was replaced by Jose Aguinaga.

Neither team had clear cut chances in the first 15 minutes, but the hosts would take the lead in 17th minute. After a foul by Mines on the edge of the box, Brian Shrivers free kick beat the wall and went off the underside of the bar and in to give Richmond a 1-0 advantage.

NYRB II tried to find an opening and Bonomo had two chances in the 30th minute as he tested Richmond keeper Travis Worra from 25 yards but was denied. Seconds later he was able to get around him, but was denied by a clearance.

Just before the stroke of halftime NYRB II had a good chance yet again as Bonomo was played in and tried to square for Moreno but the pass was cut out.

Louro was tested early on the second half after Scarlett gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. Richmond midfielder Raul Gonzalez drove the shot to Louro’s near post, but he was able to parry it away to keep NYRB II within one.

Despite NYRB II’s effort, they could not find a way through and Wolyniec sent on White for Bonomo in the 62nd minute.

The baby bulls finally found their breakthrough seven minutes later. Cásseres was played in by Moreno and his initial shot was saved, but his follow up cross was controlled and tucked into the far corner by Aguinaga for his first of the season to tie the game at one.

Wolyniec’s troops searched for the go ahead goal and nearly had one in the 77th minute. Aguinaga was denied his second by a nice save and Cásseres’ follow up flew just over the bar.

Wolyniec made their last change moments later as he sent on Jared Stroud for Moreno.

Stroud almost grabbed the winner in the 89th minute but his first time volley of Mines’ cross was saved well by Worra.

Near team was able to carve out much in stoppage time and NYRB II were able to take a point in their road trip to Richmond.

NYRB II will look to continue their impressive home form next week when they take on Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second game of a doubleheader with NYRB at Red Bull Arena. The game will take place Saturday, April 15, at 4:00 pm.