Red Bull II goalkeeper Evan Louro could not stop two goals. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull II)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Despite playing a man up for more than half the match, Red Bull II went down to a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field in USL Championship action at BBVA Compass Field Wednesday night.

Red Bull II (57 points) dropped to 17-10-6.

Birmingham Legion’s Brian Wright opened the scoring in the 10th minute off a pass from midfielder Daniel Johnson.

Birmingham’s Kyle Culberston receivef a red card in the 42rd minute to put NYRB II up for the remaining 48 minutes.

Prosper Kasim, however, increased the hosts’ lead in the 46th minute.

NYRBII finally got on the board when Sebastian Elney’s shot was deflected by Kyle Fisher for an own goal.

Red Bull II midfielder Chris Lema made his 60th career appearance for the club while defender Bryce Lebel made his first career professional start.

NYRBII will conclude its regular season before the USL Championship Playoffs against Loudoun United FC Saturday at 7:30 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.