April 1, 2015 USL Pro--New York Red Bulls II vs Toronto FC II preview (from newyorkredbulls.com)

  
USL Weekly Update | Plenty to build on for Red Bulls II as Toronto match approaches
Plenty to build on for Red Bulls II as Toronto match approaches 
April 1, 2015 

New York Red Bulls II kicked off their inaugural United Soccer League (USL) season 
on Saturday, March 28 against Rochester Rhinos. Despite creating enough scoring chances, 
Red Bulls II settled for a 0-0 draw at home. With the first game under its belt, 
Red Bulls II prepares for this weekend’s clash with Toronto FC II.
• TICKETS: NYRB II vs. Toronto FC II

New York Red Bulls II host TFC II at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, April 4 at 3:30 p.m. EDT 
(WATCH: Live stream available on NewYorkRedBulls.com).

Inaugural Draw 

Red Bulls II played host to fellow New York club Rochester Rhinos in its first ever USL match 
at Red Bull Arena. NYRB II captain Leo Stolz along with fellow MLS loanees Marius Obekop and 
Manolo Sanchez were the main sources of attack in the first half, with Homegrown goalkeeper 
Santiago Castano providing several key saves. The best chance of the half came in the 33rd minute 
when Victor Manosalvas was brought down in the penalty box by Rochester defender Michael Garzi. 
Stolz stepped up to take the penalty kick, but his attempt was saved by goalkeeper Brandon Miller.

When NYRB II returned to the pitch for the second half, the squad appeared calm, collected 
and improved. They out-shot their opponents 3-2, connected more passes and noticeably established 
a rhythm. In the end, they couldn’t find the go-ahead goal and settled for a scoreless draw 
to kick off the USL season.

Colin Heffron named to USL Team of the Week

Defender Colin Heffron has been named to the USL Team of the Week for the second week of the 
2015 season. Heffron, a native of Upper Brookville, N.Y., played at both left back and center 
back in the New York Red Bulls II home opener after a first-half substitution. His efforts 
helped preserve a shutout and capture NYRB II’s first ever USL point.

Red Bulls II take Manhattan

On Tuesday, March 30, New York Red Bulls announced an agreement with Columbia University for 
New York Red Bulls II to play games at the Baker Athletic Complex’s Rocco B. Commisso Soccer 
Stadium on Columbia’s campus. The 3,100 seat stadium is easily accessible by public 
transportation and just a short walk from the 215th street station stop for the 1 train.

The first match at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium will be on May 17 against Charleston Battery.

Academy Debutants

Four Red Bulls Academy players made their professional debuts last weekend. RBNY Under-18 
midfielder Kyle Zajec earned a spot in the starting XI, while Derrick Etienne, Marcello Borges 
and Juan Sebastian Sanchez made substitute appearances.

Etienne in particular stood out in the second half. He took the place of Victor Manosalvas 
in the 59th minute and made an immediate impact by creating space for teammates, running 
at defenders and forcing turnovers in the final third. Perhaps his most impressive moment came 
in the 77th minute when his spin move dropped a defender and transitioned NYRB II into 
a deadly attack.

Toron-two FC 

For Toronto FC II (1-1-0), this will be the third match of the 2015 season. In TFC II’s opening 
match, USL team of the week honorees Molham Babouli and Jordan Hamilton both scored in a 3-2 
loss against Charleston Battery. Last weekend, Toronto bounced back from the opening loss 
to defeat “401 Derby” rivals FC Montreal, 2-0.

This was the first professional clean sheet for on-loan TFC goalkeeper and 2015 MLS SuperDraft 
first round pick, Alex Bono. Midfielder Marcos Nunes provided a 37th minute goal for TFC II, 
and the second goal was a late own goal by FC Montreal. TFC II’s Babouli supplied an assist 
on the 37th minute goal and has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his contributions 
to the victory.

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