Red Bull II’s comeback fell short. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull II)

MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Ten-man Red Bull II dug itself a two-goal hole in the opening half as it dropped a 2-1 decision to North Carolina FC in a USL Championship game at MSU Soccer Park Friday night.

NYRBII (20 points) dropped to 6-3-2 while North Carolina (19) improved to 5-2-4.

The hosts were forced to play a little more than a half hour with a man disadvantage as Ulrich Ewolo was issued a straight red card in the 59th minute before 941 spectators.

Sam Brotherton opened the scoring, converting a Ben Speas corner kick in the 14th minute.

Coached by former U.S. men’s national coach Dave Sarachan, the visitors doubled their lead when Steven Miller netted a goal in the 38th minute.

Red Bull II sliced the lead in half in the 77th minute, as Jared Stroud tallied his fifth goal this season.

Sal Esposito NYRB II debut in the 85th minute, replacing Ben Mines.

NYRB II will continue its homestand when its hosts Bethlehem Steel Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.