MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Stefano Bonomo recorded a goal and assist as the New York Red Bulls II defeated the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday afternoon at MSU Soccer Park. The win marked the first regulation victory for the New York against the Rhinos. The Red Bulls II (8-11-3, 27pts) took the lead in just the fifth minute as Stefano Bonomo got to a through-ball by Florian Valot, and sent the ball beyond Tomas Gomez, which Arun Basuljevic then tucked into the net from a narrow angle. New York then had the better of the first half, and Noah Powder hit the crossbar in the 42nd minute, and the hosts got a man-advantage two minutes later as Rochester’s Joe Farrell received a second yellow card. The Red Bulls II’s Junior Flemmings almost took advantage of the man-advantage early in the second half, but it was a defensive error that let in Bonomo to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute as he sent a low shot to the left corner. The Rhinos (8-4-8, 32pts) grabbed a lifeline in the 70th minute as Wal Fall converted from the penalty spot after Darius Madison was ruled to have been brought down in the penalty area. Both sides were reduced by a man with seven minutes to go as Rochester’s Kenardo Forbes and New York’s Basuljevic were both sent off after an altercation in midfield, but the Red Bulls II held on late against the nine-man Rhinos’ efforts to find an equalizer to claim all three points.

Scoring:
5’ – NY – Arun Basuljevic (Stefano Bonomo)
55’ – NY – Stefano Bonomo
70' - ROC - Wal Fall

• #NYvROC: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Red Bulls II put together their most complete performance of the season on Saturday to break the hex the Rochester Rhinos had held over them for the past two years, earning their first victory against their rivals from upstate New York. Taking an early lead through Arun Basuljevic’s first professional goal, New York controlled much of the first half as the hosts didn’t allow a shot to the Rhinos before the break, and the second yellow card issued to Rhinos defender Joe Farrell in the 43rd minute made it a major uphill battle for the visitors from then on.

• 2. Red Bulls II forward Stefano Bonomo was making his second consecutive start for the side after missing the first half of the season through injury, and he was a difference-maker again with a goal and assist that led New York to victory. Bonomo also found the net a week ago against Louisville, although it went for naught in a 2-1 loss, and is looking like he might be the attacking option New York was hoping would come through after the departure on loan of Brandon Allen on Minnesota United FC. Given than move, and his return to health, he certainly appears he’ll get that chance.

• 3. Rochester came out surprisingly flat, and until Wal Fall’s penalty kick had only managed one shot off target in the opening 70 minutes of the contest. The side also paved the way for more difficulties down the road, with both stalwart center back Joe Farrell and midfielder Kenardo Forbes set to be absent for Tuesday night’s game with the Harrisburg City Islanders. The Rhinos’ undefeated streak had put them in good position for a place in the USL Cup Playoffs, but more performances like this could see the side quickly drawn back into the battle.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Stefano Bonomo, New York Red Bulls II – Bonomo’s goal and assist led the Red Bulls II to their first victory against the Rhinos in club history, and a much-needed in in the club’s playoff push.

Upcoming Games:
New York Red Bulls II at Charleston Battery – August 12, 7 p.m. ET, MUSC Health Stadium
Rochester Rhinos at Harrisburg City Islanders – August 8, 8:30 p.m. ET, FNB Field