Omar Sowe scored both NYRBII’s goals. (Photo courtesy of Red Bulls II)
Red Bulls II’s further descent into USL Championship hell continued Tuesday night as the team dropped a home game, 3-2, to the Charlotte Independence at MSU Soccer Park.
The loss dropped NYRBII (13 points) to 3-10-4 while Charlotte (23) improved to 7-7-2.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 13th minute, as Marcelo Palomino blasted a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box and tucked the shot inside the left post for his fourth goal this season.
Six minutes later, NYRB II evened the score. Jeremy Rafanello sent a pass into Omar Sowe, who maneuvered around a defender and shot low for the goal.
Charlotte jumped back in front in the 25th minute. Adam Armour slid a pass low that was tapped in by captain Enzo Martinez for a 2-1 lead.
Rafanello, who has a team-high five assists, linked up with Sowe for the second time two minutes into the second half. Sowe took a hard shot that evaded a diving goalkeeper for his team-leading sixth goal this season.
For the third time in the match, Charlotte took the lead, this time for good. This time Brandt Bronico found Sylvain Marveaux in the box for a 61st-minute goal.
Sam Joseph made his professional debut in goal for Red Bulls II.
Red Bulls II will host San Antonio FC at MSU Soccer Park Saturday at 7 p.m.