Brooklyn, June 25 2018 - After visiting midtown Manhattan and the New York Red Bulls vs FC Dallas MLS game (including a fireworks show) on Saturday and the 9/11 memorial and a boat tour (with some amazing views of New York and the Statue of Liberty) on Sunday the All Stars played their second and final game of the trip vs New York Red Bulls U23 team at MSU Soccer Stadium.
Despite the support of about 100 invites from our partners, friends and family of several players and our friends from Central Park Soccer, the difference in fitness turned out to be too much for the All Stars. Coach Gerard van der Lem started with the same line up as Friday except for the goalkeeper. Ronald Waterreus started in goal. Coach Van der Lem stressed the importance before the game to play compact against a very young and fit team. The Lions tried playing out of the back as usual but the Bulls pressed hard from the beginning and goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus had to come up with several saves. After 15 minutes the Bulls scored 1-0 after a good cross from the right side in front of goal, followed by a second goal a few minutes later when a corner kick was headed in the back of the net. The Lions seemed to go into half time 2-0, but two goals in the final two minutes of the first half gave the Bulls a comfortable 4-0 lead. Forwards Roy, Mols and Cummings hardly got any space up front making it difficult to create any threat. In the second half a similar game. The team struggled to keep possession and especially the fitness level and speed of the youngsters created problems in transition. Gerald Vanenburg did show his quality one more time with a great dribble through the midfield but overall the team struggled to create chances. The Bulls added one more goal before the game ended due to lightning.
Overall a game where the difference in fitness level was too big, but the reception of the New York Red Bulls was great, just like the night before in the Red Bull Arena where the All Stars were invited to the Audi Lounge.
Pictures of the game will be posted soon.