Connor Lade played his first match since injuring his ACL last season. (Andy Mead/YCJ Photo)
HANOVER, N.J. – Red Bulls II rounded out their preseason schedule with a 2-1 victory over Bethlehem Steel FC at the Red Bulls training facility Saturday.
Red Bulls defender-midfielder Conor Lade made his way into the Starting XI playing in his first match since tearing his ACL last year. He played 45 minutes as he worked on his match fitness.
Jamaican international and playmaker Junior Flemmings came on as a substitute for the defending United Soccer League champions, earning his first competitive minutes since he had surgery on his torn meniscus last year.
The match got off to a fast start as both teams looked to take control in the first 10 minutes.
Bethlehem opened the scoring with a sixth-minute goal from Charlie Davies as he beat an offside trap to score against goalkeeper Rafael Diaz.
Nine minutes later, Brandon Allen drew a penalty, earning a penalty kick. Allen sent his spot kick down the middle to equalize at 1-1, catching the keeper guessing the wrong way.
Red Bulls II took the lead for good in the 54th minute as Florian Valot tallied from 25 yards that found its way over the head of the Bethlehem keeper.
Bethlehem pressed for a tying goal in the final half hour but Diaz stopped several attempts.
Scoring summary:
BST: Davies 6’
NY: Allen 16’
NY: Valot 54’
Lineup:
Diaz; Najem, Schmoll (Brett Nason, 82’) Ndam (David Abidor, 60’), Lade (Ethan Kutler, 45’); Metzger (Andrew Tinari, 82’), Basuljevic; Bezecourt (Bradley Nestor, 82’), Noel (Junior Flemmings, 37’; Trialist); Allen (Lucas Terci, 45’), Valot
