HARRISON, N.J. – Red Bulls II open the United Soccer League season, taking on Toronto FC II at Red Bull Arena Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
The match can be seen on newyorkredbulls.com/2.
Head coach John Wolyniec hopes to qualify the team for its fourth consecutive USL Cup playoff appearance. Last season ended on a shootout in the Eastern Conference final, falling to eventual champion Louisville City FC.
NYRB II has drawn each of its past three home openers and will look to change that against a TFC II side it has never lost to (5-0-1). New York registered a winning home record last year (10-6-0).
Returning on the backline is goalkeeper Evan Louro behind defenders Jordan Scarlett and Hassan Ndam.
Second-year player Andrew Tinari and former Red Bulls Academy product Steven Echevarria will look to provide the stability in the midfield.
The attack features first- and third-round draft choices, Brian White and Tom Barlow, as well as newly promoted first team striker Stefano Bonomo. Bonomo led NYRB II in scoring in 2017 with 13 goals in 16 appearances.
Ben Mines, 17, who scored in his Major League Soccer debut in a 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers last Saturday, also will see time with the team as he continues his development as a first-year pro.
Following Saturday’s match, NYRB II will hit the road for ATL UTD 2’s inaugural match away at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, Ga. Saturday, March 24.