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Stakes Raised for Red Bulls II in Orlando

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 10/06/17, 2:16PM EDT

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Midweek loss has added pressure to take victory vs. OCB


Photo courtesy Ben Solomon / New York Red Bulls II

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Whatever the outcome had been on Wednesday night for the New York Red Bulls II against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the pressure would still have been on for Saturday’s game against Orlando City B as the two teams sitting side by side in the seventh and eighth positions in the Eastern Conference square off.

That it’s New York still in the eighth spot – and potentially dropping to ninth depending on the result of Bethlehem Steel FC’s contest on Friday night – adds to the pressure for the defending USL Cup champion. With a win, New York again controls its playoff fate. With a loss or a draw, it could be eliminated by the time it takes the field to face the Rochester Rhinos in its final game of the regular season at Capelli Sport Stadium on Oct. 14.

In an up-and-down season which saw the side fall 3-2 to the Rowdies to open its trip, it was again a night where the game got away from the Red Bulls II despite the side having much to be pleased about.

“We’re just missing little things,” said Red Bulls II Head Coach John Wolyniec “We let little plays slip from us, so as much good as we do over the course of 90 minutes and through the middle of the field sometimes we let ourselves down in little ways.”

If there’s good news for New York, it’s the side’s record against OCB. The Red Bulls II are 3-0-1 all-time against their hosts on Saturday, including a 3-1 victory when the teams met early in the season at MSU Soccer Park. Vincent Bezecourt’s goal late in the first half proved the game-winner that night, and the French midfielder could again play a major role on Saturday. 


Photo courtesy Ben Solomon / New York Red Bulls II

Sitting tied for second in the USL with 10 assists this season, and also chipping in six goals, the second-year professional believes that the side’s mentality will be crucial to bounce back from Wednesday’s loss.

“We showed some character today, and I think character is going to be key against Orlando on Saturday,” said Bezecourt on Wednesday. “That’s a quick turnaround, and we’ve got to show them we’re ready for the fight and show that we want to play hard and high press and put everything into these last two games. I think we really deserve a spot in the playoffs.”

Should they reach the playoffs, the Red Bulls II’s recent form could make them a threat to make a run. The side has gone 5-2-2 since the start of August, with the likes of Florian Valot – who was nominated for USL Player of the Month for September on Thursday – and Junior Flemmings starting to hit form.

“Lately we’ve been good, our performances have been good, the results haven’t always followed in certain ways but we put a lot into games and I think we’ve been very good in a lot of games recently,” said Wolyniec. “Just getting in would be huge for us, because I think we’re in a position and a place where we feel confident no matter who we play.”

With victory on Saturday almost essential, New York is ready to go.

“We’ve come a long way, and I think now we’re playing the way we want to play,” said Bezecourt. “I honestly believe we can beat any team in this league right now.”

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