Defending | 6/7/19

Red Bull II has won two consecutive matches. (Photo courtesy of the Red Bulls)

KENNESAW, Ga. — Like father, like son.

Red Bull II continued to emulate its father organization, the Red Bulls, Friday night as it continued its regular-season mastery over Atlanta United II with a 3-1 victory in USL Championship action .

The Red Bulls, who were eliminated by the MLS Cup champion Atlanta United in last year’s playoffs, never have lost to the 2017 expansion team during the regular season.

Defender Edgardo Rito scored his first goal of the season, giving NYRB II the lead in the 44th minute before 1,662 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Midfielder Jeciel Cedeno recorded his first professional assist.

Forward Sebastian Elney scored his first professional goal to extend the visitors’ lead to 2-0 in the 47th minute as midfielder Chris Lema recorded his first assist this season.

Atlanta United 2 forward Brandon Vazquez brought the hosts within one with his first goal of the season in the 66th minute.

Midfielder Kyle Zajec scored his third goal in two matches off a free kick from Lema in the 76th minute for the final goal of the match.

Cedeno made his first professional start, while defenders Conner Maurer and Bryce Lebel made their first professional appearances.

Goalkeeper Evan Louro recorded four saves.

Red Bull II will return home to host defending champions Louisville City FC June 16 at 3 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.