After dropping their second game of the season to the New York Red Bulls U23 two weeks ago, FA Euro New York traveled back across the George Washington Bridge for a rematch with the Red Bulls affiliate.
The Red Bulls came out of the gates hot, scoring their first two goals in the first six minutes of the game. The first goal came in the 3’ minute on a penalty kick, after FA Euro’s Momodou Sawaneh was shown a yellow card in the box. The penalty shot goal from Red Bulls Juan Sebastian Sanchez was the third one conceded by FA Euro through the first five games of the season. After a diving save by Euro’s keeper Oliver Foss Hansen, Red Bulls forward Brian Saramago scored with a header on a cross from Kevin O’Toole to extend their lead to two.
The PDL first team had a few opportunities to break through with a goal of their own but Red Bulls Keeper Dayne St. Clair held onto his clean sheet. Good passing from the PDL first team led to a chance for them to score late in the first half but the 42’ minute shot from forward Dominique Marvens went right into the hands of Red Bulls keeper St. Clair.
After consistent pressure all half, the Red Bulls U23 squad forced a 44’ minute corner which led to their third goal of the contest. The header came from defender Sylvain Coco, who out leaped the entire FA Euro defense and found the back of the net.
The Red Bulls continued to apply pressure throughout the second half generating plenty of opportunities to score another goal but Euro’s Foss Hansen made all the necessary saves to hold them at three.
"I thought the entire game even though it was 3-0 at half time I thought we were with them we were just as good as them," said keeper Foss Hansen. "We just lose our individual battles and its just, thats what separates us from the [four] teams we just played I mean Reading, Ocean City, Red Bulls, and Rough Riders were all great sides and were matching up even with them. We just need the little extra and I believe when that comes we will get some wins."
The PDL first team returned from halftime with some new life. FA Euro had a great opportunity to break their scoring drought in the 58’ minute, but the shot from forward Marvens rang off the post and out of play.
Frustrations began to mount for FA Euro leading to a red card issued to Zhurabek Khusanboev in the 90’ minute. Khusanboev will subsequently miss the PDL first teams next match against Reading United AC on June 6th. The PDL first team has now been held scoreless in three consecutive game. Their four shots versus Red Bulls make them scoreless in nineteen chances since Robi Sillah last scored the second game of the season.
"Now we have 8 day to prepare for Reading and I think when we step on that field again there is no turning back," said Foss Hansen. "We gotta win games and we gotta start next Wednesday."
FA Euro will take the field June 6th for a rematch versus Reading United AC. The game is scheduled to start at 8 PM at Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, NY. The game can be seen on I-95 Sports and Entertainment Network. The TV home of your FA Euro New York. Follow @FAEuro on twitter for updates about next weeks contest.