New York Red Bulls II News Release - www.newyorkredbulls.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

HARRISON, N.J. - New York Red Bulls II will play its first midweek match of the USL season when the team returns to Red Bull Arena to take on the Richmond Kickers this Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. Last weekend NYRB II played its first road contest, becoming the first team to earn a result against the Charleston Battery this season with a 1-1 draw at Blackbaud Stadium. Richmond defeated Charlotte Independence at home last weekend, 3-0.

Match Information
·         New York Red Bulls II vs. Richmond Kickers
·         Red Bull Arena, Harrison, N.J.
·         Wednesday, April 22, 2015
·         7:30 p.m. EDT (WATCH: Live Stream available on NewYorkRedBulls.com/Live)
·         Follow on Twitter @NYRBII
·         Tickets

New York Red Bulls II

NYRB II (1-1-2), played out a draw in its first ever away fixture against the Charleston Battery, 1-1. Charleston’s Memo Rodriguez broke the deadlock with seconds left in the first half. Rodriguez received a pass at the edge of the penalty area, took one touch and fired at net. The shot took a deflection off a Red Bulls II defender and soared up and over goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, who made his first start for NYRB II.

On-loan striker Anatole Abang equalized for Red Bulls II in the 68th minute. Sean Davis, who made the start just 24 hours after making his MLS debut Friday at Red Bull Arena against San Jose Earthquakes, found Abang in the six-yard box and headed the cross past goalkeeper Odisinel Cooper. The goal was Abang’s second of the season and Davis’ second USL assist. Newly-signed midfielder Bolu Akinyode made his professional debut as a substitute in the 90th minute, coming on for MLS loanee Andrew Jean-Baptiste.

New York Red Bulls II currently sit in fifth place in the USL Eastern Conference standings with five points through four matches.

Notes:

· Goalkeeper Santiago Castaño served his suspension against Charleston for a red card earned against Wilmington Hammerheads and will be eligible to play this week.

· Midfielder Dan Metzger was called up this week to the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team side for training camp ahead of Rio 2016 Summer Olympic qualification. He will be unavailable for Wednesday's match against Richmond.

Richmond Kickers

After opening the season with two consecutive draws to Wilmington Hammerheads FC and Louisville City FC, the undefeated Kickers (2-0-2) have strung together back-to-back 3-0 victories at home. The team’s first victory came against Wilmington, the second meeting between the sides in a span of two weeks. Forward Jason Yeisley scored two goals on two shots and was named USL Player of the Week and USL Team of the Week for week four. Substitute Eli Garner added the third in the 90th minute.

Last weekend, Richmond hosted Charlotte Independence in a match dominated by midfielder George Davis IV. The three-time USL All-League selection opened the scoring on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute and doubled the Kickers’ advantage with a 54th minute goal assisted by Brian Ownby. Davis IV completed his hat-trick with a penalty kick in the 74th minute, and the Kickers claimed their second consecutive shutout victory. Davis IV's three goals so far this season are tied for third in USL.

Richmond drew their lone away match of the season, 2-2, at Legion Stadium in Wilmington.

The Kickers sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with eight points through four contests. Their +6 goal differential is best in the USL this season.

Kickers Facts:

· Founded in 1993, Richmond Kickers (along with Charleston Battery) is the oldest continuously operating professional club in the United States.

· The Kickers' are the MLS affiliate of Red Bulls rival D.C. United

· 35-year-old Sascha Göerres is a German player/assistant coach for the Kickers, assistant coach for the Under-18 Academy of Richmond United and the head coach for the U-10 Boys Richmond Kickers Elite. He has appeared in all four matches for Richmond Kickers and has made 212 appearances for the club in his career.

Kickoff on Wednesday at RBA is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be streamed live onNewYorkRedBulls.com/live.