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RED BULL STUN RIVERHOUNDS IN WILD FINISH

Anthony Wallace's stoppage time goal was the difference as Red Bull II stunned the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday.

Anthony Wallace’s stoppage time goal was the difference as Red Bull II stunned the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday.


USL Game Report
Sunday, April 3, 2015
HARRISON, N.J. – New York Red Bulls II claimed its second win of the season in dramatic fashion thanks to an injury time game-winning goal from Anthony Wallace, which lifted his side to a 3-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. Wallace buried the goal to clinch the three points in the 93rd minute with a left-footed rocket from just outside the area to win the game, 3-2.
Red Bulls II opened the scoring in the sixth minute on an own goal when Manolo Sanchez’s cross was deflected into the net by Pittsburgh defender Fejiro Okiomah. The Riverhounds responded quickly with the equalizer in the eighth minute on a Rob Vincent goal, but Sanchez headed in for NYRBII in the 66th minute to regain the lead. Pittsburgh’s Vincent notched scored again to tie the game with seven minutes to go, but Wallace grabbed victory for his side with his late blast.
The first half started quickly with two early goals inside the first 10 minutes. Red Bulls II were the first on the scoresheet in part to an own goal from Pittsburgh. Sanchez charged down the right wing and sent a low, dangerous ball into the box. In a sliding attempt to break up the pass, Okiomah instead deflected the ball into the back of the net to put NYRBII ahead early.
The Riverhounds responded two minutes later with the equalizer when kevin Kerr gained possession in space on the right side of New York’s penalty box. Kerr spotted Vincent making a run into the penalty area, and delivered his cross. Vincent slammed home his chance from the penalty spot on the volley to level the match, 1-1.
A balanced midfield battle ensued between the sides, with no chances for either club until the 31st minute. Dan Bedoya gained possession in the final third, beat the defender and was hauled down inches outside of the area. Wallace took the free kick, but he blasted his chance into the wall. Dan Metzger was on the receiving end of the deflection just outside of the box, but his shot was pulled high and out of play.
Red Bulls II reained the lead midway through the second half thanks to Sanchez, his first goal of the season. The play started when Dan Bedoya delivered a long cross-field pass to McLaws, who located Sanchez charging into the box. McLaws placed his cross perfectly on the forehead of Sanchez, who headed home New York’s second goal.
Pittsburgh drew level a second time, once again thanks to Vincent. Kerr received a pass just outside the penalty area, and teed up an open Vincent, who blasted a low shot from the top of the 18-yard box into the lower-right corner past Santiago Castano for his sixth goal of the season.
As full-time drew near, Sanchez had a chance for a second goal in the final minute of the match when he beat goalkeeper Ryan Thompson running down the left side of the box. With only one defender to beat on the line, Sanchez attempted a chip which deflected off of the crossbar and was cleared from danger by the Riverhounds.
Four minutes of stoppage time were announced and late dramatics ensued.
New York pushed forward, throwing numbers upfield to press for one final goal. The opportunity arose when a deflection fell to Wallace just left of the penalty arc outside of the area. He calmly settled the ball, lowered his head and smashed a bullet across the face of goal into the side-netting to provide Red Bulls II its third lead of the match.
Pittsburgh battled for an equalizer in the final moments of the match, and nearly equalized a third time. A shot in the dying seconds of the match beat Castano, but Andrew Jean-Baptiste was in the right spot at the right time to clear the shot off the line and clinch victory for Red Bulls II.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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