August 29, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New York Red Bulls II News Release
BIRMINGHAM, AL – New York Red Bulls II (3-19-4, 13 points) fell to Birmingham Legion FC (15-7-5, 50 points) 3-1 on Sunday, August 28, at Protective Stadium.
Red Bulls II opened the scoring in the 25th minute. After being taken down in the box, Jordan Adebayo-Smith stepped up and converted a penalty kick.
The home side leveled the match in the 38th minute, as Bruno Lapa chipped a pass into the box that was finished by Jonathan Dean.
Juan Agudelo gave Birmingham the lead in the 49th minute by converting a penalty kick. Birmingham doubled their advantage in the 74th minute, as Enzo Martínez headed in a cross from the near side of the field by Lapa.
The goal for Adebayo-Smith was his team-leading fifth of the season and ninth of his USL Championship career. The match marked the 50th appearance of his USL Championship career.
Bento Estrela made his professional debut in the match, coming on in the 68th minute.
Red Bulls Academy midfielder Erick Ruiz made his first professional start, logging the full 90 minutes. He became the sixth Academy player to start a match this season for Red Bulls II.
Hassan Ndam passed Dan Metzger for third in club history for minutes played (regular and postseason) at 5,382.
Giannis Nikopolidis made eight saves in the match, one shy of his career high.
Following the match, New York will return home to conclude its August slate against Hartford Athletic on Wednesday, August 31. Kickoff at MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on ESPN+.
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