Red Bull New York II earned two points against FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday night to move into third place in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings.
Next Sunday, head coach Dominik Wohlert and his squad will have the opportunity to clinch the third seed in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs should they earn a victory over Huntsville City FC at MSU Soccer Park.
Red Bull New York II Clinch Playoff Berth, Look To Finish Regular Season in Third Place
“To come back like this, being down 1-0 and then pushing in the second half like this was really, really impressive,” Wohlert said following Sunday’s match.
“Now, we have one more home game against Huntsville. Both teams are playing for something, so it will be a good game. Obviously, we play for three points and we want to secure the third spot.”
Christian Gallagher scored an equalizing goal in the 81st minute to force a penalty shootout at MSU Soccer Park after Jack Mize put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute.
The 18-year-old forward capitalized on a cross from the right wing from Sean Baitinger.
“It was just so quick,” Gallagher said of his goal. “All I remember is Sean getting the ball out wide. I don’t remember what happened before it. The ball just came to me and I just knew from there, it was going to be a goal.”
Wohlert Highlights Gallagher’s Growth Into ‘Complete No. 9’
Wohlert is impressed by the strides Gallagher has taken in his second season at Red Bull II. The Red Bull academy product has scored nine goals and recorded two assists in 18 MLS NEXT Pro matches this season.
“Christian was always someone who was able to give us the intensity against the ball and the repeat qualities in these moments to get real pressure on the ball and make opponents uncomfortable,” Wohlert explained. “But I think he’s added his box movements. His ones in the box are way cleaner.
“I think he’s now really arriving in the final spots and is putting himself in a situation where he has a chance to score a goal. I think that’s the biggest improvement because now he’s about to be a complete No. 9.”
Red Bull New York II defender Josh Munson was sent off in the 95th minute after he received a second yellow card.
The match went into a shootout after regulation with the sides tied 1-1. All five Red Bull New York II shooters converted their penalty attempts.
Omar Valencia scored the winning penalty as the Baby Bulls prevailed 5-3. Because MLS NEXT Pro awards two points to the shootout winner and one to the shootout loser, Red Bull II will enter the final weekend of the season with 46 points.
Red Bull II Wrap Up Regular Season at Home on Sunday
Sunday’s result means that Red Bull New York II will finish no lower than ninth on Decision Day. Should Red Bull II fall to eighth or ninth place, they would play a single-elimination play-in match hosted by the eighth-seeded team.
“It’s a big honor, especially for all at the club to be making the playoffs,” Gallagher said. “We just focus on the next game and trying to get a good spot heading into it. Just focus on us and the next game.”
Red Bull II will close out the regular season against Huntsville City FC at home on Sunday, September 20 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
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