Jared Stroud came alive for the New York Red Bulls II. Against the RIchmond Kickers, Stroud scored his first three goals of the season in a big win.
The Red Bulls won their second straight match during a three game home stand. After falling down the standings with a string of bad results a few weeks ago, the Red Bulls needed to maximize points at home.
The Red Bulls opened the scoring in the second minute with a bizarre goal. Kickers goalkeeper Travis Worra attempted to play the clear the ball, but his attempt struck Jared Stroud in the face, deflecting into the net. It was Stroud’s first goal of the season, and the easiest goal he will ever score. It was a special night for the Red Bulls’ winger.
Stroud doubled his tally just 12 minutes later. Amando Moreno beat his defender down the left wing, and sent in a low cross. Stroud connected with the cross, sending his shot low to the left side of the goal. Stroud completed his perfect hat trick with a goal in the 68th minute. Following a corner kick, Worra failed to save a shot from Chris Lema, spilling the rebound directly to the onrushing Stroud.
Moreno would add a goal of his own in the 34th minute. Brian White received the ball at the top of the box and slipped the ball to Moreno. Moreno beat his defender with a burst of speed then fired the ball low to the right corner of the goal. For Moreno, it was his 8th goal of the season.
White kept the ball rolling for the Red Bulls, scoring in the 59th minute on a cross from Andrew Tinari. The goal helped to settle down a match that was becoming chippy. Again Richmond conceded thanks to poor defending from the right side of their defense. Tinari crossed low for White, and the striker finished first time past Worra.
Things took a turn for the Red Bulls in the 76th minute. First, Brian Shriver pulled a goal back for the Kickers, finishing into an open net. Two minutes later, Evan Louro was sent off for fouling Shriver at the top of the box as the last defender. The Red Bulls having used all of their subs were forced to play with striker Brian White as the goalkeeper for the final 13 minutes. Even down a man, the Red Bulls managed to see out the danger.
The win brought the Red Bulls, 8-5-7 , all the way up to third place in the Eastern conference. Despite the lofty position in the standings, the Red Bulls have played more games than any other team in the conference. Next up, they will face Bethlehem Steel FC next Wednesday night to finish up the home stand.