USL PRO Game Report
Sunday, March 30, 2014
HARRISON, N.J. – Eric Stevenson had a goal and assist as the New York Red Bulls Reserves took a 3-0 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Sunday evening in the first interleague contest between teams from the MLS Reserve League and USL PRO this season. All three goals for the Red Bulls came in the second half, as Michael Bustamante, pictured, and Matt Miazga also found the back of the net for the hosts.
The first half was played evenly, and the Dutch Lions came out with positive energy in their first game of the season. Dayton looked to stretch the field in possession as it tried to put on loan Columbus Crew forward Ryan Finley and fellow strikers Eli Garner and Cameron Vickers in dangerous positions, but the Dutch Lions were unable to force a serious save from Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara.
The Red Bulls, meanwhile, were able to create opportunities, and Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams came up big in the 25th minute as he made saves from Bustamante and Stevenson to keep the game scoreless. New York forward Marius Obekop also had a good chance late in the half, but pulled his shot wide of the left post after getting in behind the Dutch Lions’ defense.
New York would take the lead six minutes into the second half, however, as a corner kick came to Bustamante, who scored from close range for a 1-0 lead. Ten minutes later the Red Bulls would double their advantage as a good move that began on the left side came across the field to find Stevenson in space on the right, and the midfielder drove home an emphatic finish. The goal was the former Sounders FC U-23s player’s first in Red Bulls uniform.
Stevenson would then provide the service for Miazga’s from another corner in the 66th minute, as the Homegrown center back rose and powered home a header off the underside of the crossbar and in. Dayton would have some bright moments in the final 20 minutes, particularly after the introduction of Matt Walker, but the Dutch Lions were unable to find a way back into the game as the Red Bulls held on to complete the shutout.
Dayton remains on the road in its next contest as it visits the Charlotte Eagles on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET at the Queens Sports Complex.