MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls II took a big step forward on their path to the USL Cup Playoffs, securing a 3-1 victory against the Tamp Bay Rowdies at MSU Soccer Park on Saturday afternoon. The win sees the Red Bulls II record their fourth consecutive home victory. Florian Valot, Noah Powder and Junior Flemmings all scored one goal and provided one assist, while Andrew Tinari also penciled his name in on the score sheet. Martin Paterson and Hunter Gorskie scored the goals for the visiting Rowdies, who move to 10-7-8 this campaign. The reigning USL Cup champions, Red Bulls II, are now 10-11-5 this season.

Scoring:
17’ – NY – Andrew Tinari (Florian Valot)
20’ – TBR – Martin Paterson (Georgi Hristov)
41’ – NY – Noah Powder
54’ – NY – Florian Valot (Junior Flemmings)
77’ – TBR – Hunter Gorskie (Michael Nanchoff)
83’ – NY – Junior Flemmings (Noah Powder)

• #NYvTBR: Full match and Opta box score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Saturday’s win was important one for the Red Bulls II, who have six games remaining in their season as they pursue a spot in the USL Cup Playoffs. While the club should relish the win at home, the team will play five of its final six matches in the regular season on the road, starting next week with a visit to BMO Field, where they will play Toronto FC II. They will also have a must-see battle against the Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Oct. 4.

• 2. The Tampa Bay Rowdies put in a good shift and still remain in the top eight in the Eastern Conference, but they continue to struggle on the road. The club has a 10-7-8 overall record and a 1-6-5 record away from Al Lang Stadium. If the Rowdies want the opportunity to host a playoff match this year, the club will need to produce more points in these environments, especially considering four of the team's final seven games are not at home.

• 3. Junior Flemmings continues his incredible season in the USL with a goal and an assist on the day. The 21-year-old Jamaican scored his eighth goal of the campaign in the 83rd minute, securing the result for the 2016 USL champions. With his excellent play consistently leading the way for the Red Bulls II, as well as Florian Valot’s strong form in recent weeks, the club looks primed to make a strong run towards a playoff spot.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Florian Valot, New York Red Bulls II – The midfielder scored one goal, provided one assist, created four chances and completed 64 passes on the afternoon.

Upcoming Games:
New York Red Bulls II at Toronto FC II – Sept. 9, 8 p.m. ET, BMO Field
Tampa Bay Rowdies at Harrisburg City Islanders – Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. ET, FNB Field