March 16, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New York Red Bulls II News Release
New York Red Bulls II will continue its season-opening road swing as it travels to face Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday, March 16. Kickoff from Fifth Third Bank Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
Match Notes
Busy Stretch Continues – New York is the only team in USL Championship to play three matches in the first week of the season. The match also marks the first time that New York will play two consecutive road matches to begin a season.
Where It All Began – New York midfielder John Murphy made his professional debut at Atlanta on March 24, 2018, as a registered academy player. Four years later, he returns for New York as its captain.
Club Debuts – New York saw five players make their club debuts during Saturday’s season opener. Defenders Lamine Conte, Christopher Cragwell, and Paul Smajlaj, along with forwards Jordan Adebayo-Smith and Jonathan Filipe, all saw their first minutes for New York. Conte, Smajlaj, and Filipe all made their professional debuts as well.
Training Quotes
“I’ve liked him since the first day I’ve seen him. Against the ball, with the ball, the competitive elements, his leadership qualities, the way he communicates, I just see a whole lot in him.” – Head Coach Gary Lewis on John Murphy’s captain role.
“It means a lot and I’m proud to be named captain. I think that it’s definitely a big responsibility, especially with such a young group. I just plan to be the best leader I can and help these guys out the best I can.” – Midfielder John Murphy on being the team’s captain.
Important Numbers
7 – Three of the five meetings between New York and Atlanta have featured seven or more combined goals, including the last two.
8 – New York’s single-match record for goals came against Atlanta United 2 on July 13, 2019. The match also marked the highest margin of victory in club history.
21 – New York has scored 21 goals over five meetings with Atlanta, which is tied for the fourth most against an opposing club in New York’s history.
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