HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls II became the first side to clinch a place in the 2016 USL Playoffs as they took a 1-0 victory against Louisville City FC on Friday night at Red Bull Arena. The win also moved the Red Bulls II three points clear at the top of the USL Eastern Conference. New York opened the game well, but Louisville had the better chances in the first half. Chandler Hoffman had a finish ruled out for offside, and another snap shot from the left side of the penalty area late in the half forced a good save from Red Bulls II goalkeeper Ryan Meara. New York created a big chance in the 61st minute as Junior Flemmings shook his defender and sent a low cross to Florian Valot, but the finish went over the crossbar. The Red Bulls II took the lead from the penalty spot with 16 minutes to go, however, after a VAR review saw Junior Flemmings adjudged to have been brought down in the penalty area, and Brandon Allen made no mistake with a finish into the left side of the net.  

Scoring: 
74’ – NY – Brandon Allen (PK)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. As in the first live in-game test with a Video Assistant Referee, the system was called into use on Friday night at Red Bull Arena. On Friday night, though, it provided the key moment in a victory for the New York Red Bulls II as the hosts were awarded a penalty kick following a review of a foul on Junior Flemmings with 16 minutes to go. In a game that throughout appeared it would be tightly fought, the decision resulted in the only goal of the game, as Brandon Allen’s clinical finish for his 11th goal of the season sent the Red Bulls II top of the Eastern Conference standings, and into the 2016 USL Playoffs.

• 2. The game had a playoff tension to it, but maintained the Red Bull II’s upper hand in the series between the two teams that began when both joined the USL last season. New York has now taken four wins from four against Louisville, an impressive feat against a side that has been outstanding otherwise in its first two seasons. With the potential for the teams to meet again in the playoffs, the mental edge resides with the Red Bulls II for now, although it could just as easily increase the chip on Louisville’s shoulder should a postseason meeting materialize.

• 3. The Red Bulls II now have the clear inside track to the USL regular season championship as they sit both three points ahead of Louisville, and eight points clear of third-place FC Cincinnati. While the race for the title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs isn’t over yet, the  Red Bulls II have now taken three consecutive victories, and would likely love to add to the two MLS Supporter’s Shields the organization has claimed since 2013 with the USL version of the trophy.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Junior Flemmings, New York Red Bulls II – The Red Bulls II winger showed some brilliant flashes throughout the game, almost setting up Florian Valot for the opening goal before being fouled for the deciding penalty kick.

Upcoming Games:

New York Red Bulls II at Toronto FC II – August 24, 5 p.m. ET, Ontario Soccer Centre

Louisville City FC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – August 27, 7:30 p.m. ET, Slugger Field