MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Going into the game having only once previously taken victory against the Richmond Kickers, the New York Red Bulls knew their home opener at the renovated MSU Soccer Park was going to be a challenging one.

Thanks to Zeiko Lewis’ first professional goal in the second half, the defending USL champions emerged with a 1-0 victory and their first win of the season to christen the club’s new home in style.

“It just seems right to come to a new home and come away with three points,” said Red Bulls II Head Coach John Wolyniec. “They made a great environment for our players here, and the players did their job on the field to create a great atmosphere for the fans I think, and I think we played some exciting soccer today. It wasn't always perfect, but a lot of good things today so we are pretty happy.”

New York carried the majority of the play in the first half as Vincent Bezecourt and David Najem put pressure on the Kickers’ defense down the left side. Richmond withstood the Red Bulls II’s advances, however, as they limited the hosts to only two shots on goal with Junior Flemmings spurning the best opportunity of the half when he missed the target when left unmarked on a free kick. 

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The Red Bulls II brought more balance to its attack in the second half, and tested Richmond goalkeeper Matt Turner more frequently. With 20 minutes to go the breakthrough arrive, albeit in unlikely circumstances. Up for a set piece, center back Hassan Ndam attempted an audacious bicycle kick near the penalty spot, and the ball pinged to Lewis inside the six-yard area, from where the 2017 MLS SuperDraft selection tucked home his finish calmly.

"I am happy I scored,” said Lewis. “Saw it up, made my best shot, went through the defenders legs, I couldn't believe it dropped to me. As soon as it got to me, I was just like, don't miss. I am just happy the team got the result today."

The Kickers had limited chances to get something from the game as Mikey Minutillo’s two second-half efforts missed the target. The added fluidity the side found in the second half was pleasing for Florian Valot as the Red Bulls II completely almost 70 percent of their passes in the attacking half over the contest.

“At halftime we had a talk about needing more movement from the striker and getting emphasis on the side with our wide back,” said Valot. “We were much more likely to get good plays and to find gaps in between the lines, and I think in the second half we were more fluid than in the first one so it was better.”

New York will visit Red Bull Arena for the first of two games this season on Wednesday night when they host the Harrisburg City Islanders. After making their debut at the MSU Soccer Park on Saturday, though, the side is looking forward to its next game there when it welcomes Orlando City B on Friday, April 14.

“One of the emphasis's coming into this game was to defend our home,” said Wolyniec “This is a new home for us and we wanted to put a stamp on that and make the other team feel it. Credit to our players, credit to our fans, I think both accomplished that, so in that sense I am happy.”