Red Bulls II Secure Top Seed In Eastern Conference Playoffs

BY: Luke Cirianni

The New York Red Bulls II played their final home match of the regular season at MSU Soccer Park vs Toronto FC II, and earned a 2-1 win.  Red Bulls II Manager Michael Bradley coached against the affiliate of a team he spent 10 seasons with, Toronto FC.

The first half ended scoreless, with Red Bulls II dominating in possession and total shots.  The midfield meshed well together, pushing the ball out wide and towards the forwards.  Bradley kept a 4-3-3 formation, which remained successful throughout the game. “We’re lucky that we’ve got a lot of good midfielders with different qualities that complement each other well,” said Bradley. The star of the day from the Red Bulls II roster is 19 year-old Costa Rican forward, Andy Rojas, who scored a brace in the 72’ and 85’ minutes to give the Red Bulls II home field advantage all the way through the Eastern Conference playoffs.

 

“He’s a really talented player,” said Bradley. “We have been pushing him to have more impact on games, and play with more intensity.” The lone goalscorer for Toronto FC II is from Michael Sullivan who equalized in the 83’. One of the top performers from the Red Bulls II squad outside of Andy Rojas, is American midfielder Adri Mehmeti, who logged his second assist.  Mehmeti was very thankful to be chosen as a captain to lead the squad to first place in the Eastern Conference. “Being able to lead the team is amazing,” said Mehmeti.  “It’s something that I’m going to take with me into the playoffs and in the future.” Mehmeti also harped on the importance of winning this match, to earn the top seed in the conference. “It’s a big confidence boost for sure.  Having all your games at home with the fans attending is special,” said Mehmeti. Bradley is proud of the group, but expects everyone to raise their level for the playoffs.

 

“They’ve worked really hard the entire season,” said Bradley.  “But once the playoffs start, we’re ready to take it up another level.” Michael Bradley joined the team in June to take over as Manager, midway through the season.  He took the place of Ibrahim Sekagya, who took a role as an assistant coach with the Red Bull’s first team. “The work started here with Ibra (Sekagya), and I’m lucky enough to take over halfway through,” said Bradley. The New York Red Bulls II squad worked hard to get to this point.  They played 28 games so far, and battled to earn first place in the conference.   “In our football, we trust ourselves no matter who we play against,” said Bradley when asked about the competition coming up in the playoffs. With the mentality the Red Bulls II squad has this October, the other teams in the Eastern Conference will have their hands full fighting for the Eastern Conference title.