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Allen Lifts New York Past STLFC

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/01/17, 6:03PM EDT

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30th goal for the Red Bulls II earns narrow victory at MSU Soccer Park


Photo courtesy Rich Graessle / New York Red Bulls II

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Brandon Allen’s 30th goal for the New York Red Bulls II proved the difference as the hosts took a 1-0 victory against Saint Louis FC on Saturday afternoon at MSU Soccer Park. Saint Louis (4-6-3, 15pts) carved out the first good chance of the game in the 11th minute as Wes Charpie’s cross from the right side of the penalty area found Sebastian Dalgaard at the back post, but his volley went into the side netting. The Red Bulls II (6-7-3, 21pts) then took the lead in the 26th minute as a long-range free kick by Vincent Bezecourt wasn’t cleanly handled by STLFC goalkeeper Adam Grinwis, and Brandon Allen was on hand to put home his ninth goal of the season. Both teams had chances late in the first half, as hot conditions started to wear on the players, but the Red Bulls II almost doubled their lead early in the second half as a good passing move culminated with Allen sliding a low cross to Florian Valot at the top of the six-yard area, only for Grinwis to make a big save. Saint Louis had a big chance to get on level terms in the 65th minute as Dalgaard’s cross from the left was put on a platter for Jose Angulo, but the former Red Bull was unable to convert as Rafael Diaz tipped his effort back across goal wide. Octavio Guzman almost grabbed an equalizer with three minutes to go, only for his curling shot from 25 yards to come back off the right post. STLFC had one final chance in stoppage time, but Emir Alihodzic’s effort was deflected just wide, allowing New York to hold on for victory.

Scoring: 
26’ – NY – Brandon Allen

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. Brandon Allen reached a major milestone with his 26th-minute goal, as it marked his 30th for the Red Bulls II since the start of the 2016 season in both the regular season and playoffs. Named the USL Rookie of the Year a season ago, the Red Bulls Homegrown signing has achieved that in just 46 games for the side, at a rate of a goal every 119.4 minutes. While few of the finishes Allen has produced have been spectacular, putting himself in the right position to convert, as he did as the first to react to a rebound on Saturday afternoon, the instincts Allen possesses are just what you’d look for in a central striker.

  • 2. Saint Louis’ freefall since mid-April continued, and did so disappointing fashion as the team’s scoring struggles continued despite creating some clear chances against a New York defense that hasn’t exactly been watertight this season. The best opportunity came with 25 minutes to go with Sebastian Dalgaard – who had a productive 76 minutes on the left side – whipped in an ideal cross that got all the way through to Jose Angulo at the back post, but with the goal gaping Angulo contrived to send his finish back across goal and wide instead of into the net. With the Rochester Rhinos visiting next weekend, STLFC has to avoid digging itself into a hole it can’t emerge from in terms of the playoff race.  

  • 3. The hallmark of the Red Bulls II side a season ago was its ability to put teams away, with the side recording the most second-half goals of any team in the USL on its way to a remarkable season. As in their game against Ottawa a week ago, New York had chances to add to its lead after Brandon Allen’s opening goal, but were unable to provide the insurance goal they’ve needed regularly this season. Octavio Guzman’s late curling effort off the right post will have caused a flutter or two in Head Coach John Wolyniec’s chest, as the hosts almost cost themselves a win as they were unable to drive home their superiority once again.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls II – Allen’s goal provided the early lead, and the forward also linked up play well before being substituted with four minutes to go.

Upcoming Games:
New York Red Bulls II
at Bethlehem Steel FC – July 9, 5 p.m. ET, Goodman Stadium
Saint Louis FC vs. Rochester Rhinos – July 5, 9 p.m. ET, Toyota Stadium – Saint Louis

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