Forced to play a man down for virtually the entire game, Red Bulls II dropped a 3-2 decision to FC Tulsa in USL Championship action at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, Ok. on Saturday night.
Red Bulls II (3 points) dropped to 1-4-0 while FC Tulsa (9) improved to 3-2-0.
Things started to go downhill early as goalkeeper Giannis Nikopolidis was given his marching orders by referee John Matto for handling the ball outside the penalty area after a collision in the second minute. Sam Williams was pulled for keeper Derrek Chan.
Despite that, the visitors struck first in the 17th minute. Defender O’Vonte Mullings sent a pass to forward Jeremy Rafanello, who fired in a strike from outside the box.
Tulsa scored twice in less than 10 minutes to take the lead. Forward J.J. Williams got behind the back line and tallied his first goal of the season in the 20th minute.
Five minutes later, defender Gabriel Torres found the back of the net after receiving a ball over the top of the defense from midfielder Lebo Moloto.
Tulsa made it 3-1 in the opening minute of the second half on a header from Williams.
Red Bulls II cut the deficit in half in the 70th minute, as midfielder John Murphy weaved through the defense and scored.
New York will return home to face Rio Grande Valley FC for the first time on Friday, April 15. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+).
