Huntsville City secured a surprising 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls II in MLS Next Pro Group Stage action on Sunday evening. The visitors overcame a sluggish start at MSU Soccer Park to take 3 points from Pittser Field. It was a result that caught many observers off guard, especially given the home side's recent form.
Red Bulls II controlled the ball early, keeping 65% possession while Huntsville sat deep in defence. S. Kone came on for the hosts in the 47', hoping to spark something. To be fair, the pressure told quickly, as Z. Yanez scored for the away side just 1 minute later.
Second-half changes failed to alter the trajectory. M. Molina restored parity for Huntsville in the 81' minute with a well-taken effort. And here's the thing, Red Bulls II threw bodies forward, desperate to find an equaliser. But P. Castro put the game out of reach with a stoppage-time strike in the 90' minute. The home side had no answer for the visitors' counter-attacks.
The numbers paint a picture of inefficiency for the hosts. New York registered 93 attacks and 9 corners, yet managed only 6 shots on target alongside 5 wide efforts. Huntsville were far sharper, converting 2 of their 4 attempts on goal. By then, the home side had paid for a sloppy opening, allowing the visitors to control the tempo through quick transitions.
Discipline frayed as the match progressed, with 6 yellow cards issued in total. T. Williams received the final booking in the 89', capping a tense finish. Red Bulls II made several substitutions, bringing on J. Knight and M. Caicedo in a futile bid to change the outcome.
The loss leaves New York Red Bulls II in 3rd place with 46 points after 27 games. Huntsville City remain 11th, sitting on 41 points with the same number of matches played. We had predicted a home win, but the visitors broke our model with their clinical edge. It serves as a reminder that possession does not guarantee points in this division.
