November 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New York Red Bulls II News Release
2022 marked the final season in USL Championship for New York Red Bulls II, as the club will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro next year. The campaign capped an eight-year run in USL that saw New York win 98 matches, qualify for the postseason five-straight seasons, reach the Eastern Conference Finals three-straight years, and win USL Cup in 2016.
Before the club shifts to its new chapter, relive some of the best moments from its last season in USL Championship:
The Duel of the Loans
The Tampa Bay Rowdies made one final trip to MSU Soccer Park on April 23 in another installment of one of New York’s longest-running rivalries in USL Championship. It marked the return of Jake LaCava, who played two seasons with Red Bulls II before signing with the first team and being loaned to the Rowdies. Jordan Adebayo-Smith, who was on loan to Red Bulls II from Tampa, faced his former club for the first time.
New York struck right before the half on a free kick from outside the box by Jeremy Rafanello, and AJ Marcucci recorded six saves in the contest. Tampa Bay equalized in the second half, and both teams earned a point in a hard-fought match, much like the previous installments in the rivalry.
Worthy Debut
15-year-old Nathan Worth made his professional debut on June 25 against El Paso Locomotive FC, earning the start and playing the first half. At just 15 years old and 120 days old, he became the second-youngest player to appear in a match in club history, trailing only Serge Ngoma (15 years, 77 days). He also is the youngest in club history to start a match.
The Red Bulls Academy product made seven appearances during the 2022 season, started four matches, and logged 309 minutes. He appeared in four of the club’s last five matches and started three during that stretch.
Friday Night Fun
2022 marked the first time that New York squared off against Indy Eleven since the two sides met in the 2019 USL Championship Playoffs. In the second meeting, New York took all three points on a Friday night in July in front of the MSU crowd.
The lone goal of the match came in the 53rd minute, as Juan Castillo chipped a ball from the halfway line to O’Vonte Mullings, who made a run and played a pass to Jordan Adebayo-Smith. The striker flicked the ball to Jeremy Rafanello, who tapped it into the net against his former club. Giannis Nikopolidis recorded his first professional clean sheet in the match…