Ethan Kulter scored to give Red Bull II a 2-0 lead. (Photo courtesy of the Red Bulls)
MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Despite grabbing a two-goal lead in the opening 14th minute, Red Bull II could not hold it as its defense suffered a major breakdown in a 6-4 loss to defending champion Louisville City FC in a United Soccer League match at MSU Soccer Park Friday night.
NYRBII (35 points) dropped to 9-7-8 while Louisville City FC (39) improved to 11-4-6.
Cameron Lancaster led the visitors with a hat-trick and Ilija Ilic bagged a brace.
Andrew Tinari opened up the scoring with his seventh goal of the season in the seventh minute of the match. He was assisted by Tom Barlow.
Red Bull II doubled its advantage in the 14th minute with a goal from Ethan Kutler, assisted by Jose Aguinaga.
Four minutes later, Louisville City FC started its comeback on Ilic’s first goal.
Lancaster struck for his first goal for in the 43rd minute for a 2-2 deadlock.
It was virtually all Louisville City FC after that as George Davis IV snapped a tie in the 48th minute.
Ilic scored his second goal to give Louisville a 4-2 lead in the 52nd minute before Lancaster made it 5-2 in the 63rd.
Aguinaga tallied NYRB II’s first goal of the second half in the 80th minute, assisted by Jared Stroud. After recording his eighth assists, Stroud is tied for third most assists in the league.
Louisville struck again in the 88th minute as Lancaster completed his hat-trick.
Hassan Ndam scored his first career goal from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, his second goal of the USL season.
Red Bull II will return home to MSU Soccer Park to face North Carolina FC Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. ET.
