A Look Back
U20s:
Did not play.
U18s: Sacir Hot tallied a goal in the 13th minute off an assist from Jack Freeman as the U18s posted a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution U18s on Saturday, February 14. A stifling defensive effort kept the clean sheet for the U18s, with Brandon Paul recording the shutout.
"The team did a great job of pressuring the Revolution and we never really allowed them to get into any rhythm," commented head coach Paul O'Donnell. "Defensively we were very organized and Brandon Paul was tremendous in goal both with his communication and he also made several great saves".
On Sunday, February 15, the U18s dropped a 2-1 decision to FC Boston. Hot and Freeman again combined for a goal, giving the Red Bulls an early advantage. The loss moves the U18s record to 5-2-0.
"The boys gave everything they had today," O'Donnell said. "Unfortunately, we have been hit quite hard with the flu this week and we are also dealing with several starters missing through injury. We did call in several U16's for the U18's this weekend and they did very well for us. However, we did get off to a good start by going ahead 1-0 and then Boston tied it right before half-time. I think that really took the momentum away from us as they also scored immediately after the 2nd half started."
U16s: The Red Bull U16s ran their unbeaten streak to seven straight and improved to 5-0-2 on the season with two wins.
Three first half goals propelled the U16s to a 3-2 win over the Revolution on Saturday, February 14. John Gonzalez got the Red Bulls on the board in the 12th minute, with Victor Manosalvas providing the assist. Just three minutes later, Oscar Gonzales pulled the U16s even, with Kemal Can Gurel being credited with the assist. The game-winning goal was scored by Keith Francisco in the 35th minute, with Manosavles again providing the assist.
"It was a typical youth MLS match that was played with a lot of intensity," stated O'Donnell. "We kept our composure after falling behind 2-1 and were able to go into the half up 3-2. In the second half we missed a couple of chances that could have made it easier for us, but at the end of the day the boys played well".
Clifford Lyle got the U16s on the board at the half hour mark, with Michael Innocenzi earning the assist. The Red Bulls doubled their advantage in the 39th minute, as James Raytsin found the back of the net. The U16s put the game out of reach in the 74th minute, as Can Gurel found Brandon Adler for a goal to give the Red Bulls the 3-0 win over FC Boston on Sunday, February 15.
"Considering that we had such a tough game (Saturday) against the Revolution, I am very pleased with how the team responded (Sunday)," noted O'Donnell. "Anytime you can win back to back games in this league it is a bonus. We start with a divisional game next week against Match Fit which also has the added dimension of being an in-state rival, so the team will be looking forward to that".
U15s: Did not play.
U14s: Did not play.
A Look Ahead:
Saturday February 21st
U16 Red Bulls vs. U16 Match Fit Academy 4:00pm @ NJIT
U18 Red Bulls vs. U18 Match Fit Academy 6:00pm @ NJIT
