With 73 goals scored in the regular season and playoffs, it was difficult to make the final cut for goals of the year. Without further ado, here they are: the best 11 goals from New York Red Bulls II’s record breaking, ankle breaking, and trophy filled 2016 season.
1.Aaron Long vs. Orlando City B (6/19)
Aaron Long perfectly hit a curving volley around the keeper to put NYRB II ahead against Orlando City B in June. Very impressive bend from the 2016 USL Defender of the Year.
2.Brandon Allen vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC (6/26)
Delivery by Etienne Jr., finish by Allen. On field flair from Derrick Etienne Jr. finds a streaking Brandon Allen who leaves the keeper in the dust. Look at that pass and finish.
3.Junior Flemmings vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (6/26)
Junior Flemmings found the very top of the top left corner after streaking down the right wing on a breakaway against the Hammerheads at Red Bull Arena. Impossible angles made possible by Flemmings.
4.Florian Valot vs. FC Cincinnati (7/20)
Florian Valot’s 86th minute header off of a Derrick Etienne Jr. ball gave NYRB II the win away from home in a tightly contested match against FC Cincinnati.
5.Noah Powder vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (9/7)
Noah Powder ripped this swerving, half-volley shot into the upper left corner of the goal from behind the box against Harrisburg. Powder drove through the ball and kept running as NYRB II went on to win 4-1.
6.Vincent Bezecourt vs. Rochester Rhinos (9/10)
From 26 yards out Bezecourt drilled this free kick with his left foot over the wall and into the top left corner of the net, bringing the game level against Rochester in the 89th minute.
7.Derrick Etienne Jr. vs. FC Montreal (9/17)
Derrick Etienne Jr. rocketed this volley over the keeper from outside of the box against Montreal in a 4-0 win at home late in September.
8.Vincent Bezecourt vs Orlando City B (10/2)
One touch is all Vincent Bezecourt needs to put it in the top bin, even from outside the box. Credit to Florian Valot as well for the brilliant footwork and pass to set Bezecourt up for the shot.
9.Derrick Etienne Jr. vs. Rochester Rhinos (10/7)
Griezzy Etienne Jr. came out firing in the playoffs to give NYRB II the early lead. The cut, the finish, the celebration.
10.Brandon Allen vs. Rochester Rhinos (10/7)
Late into the second half of overtime during the Eastern Conference Final, Brandon Allen scored this clutch penalty kick to bring the score level. Overtime would finish in a tie after seeing a goal from both sides, and NYRB II went on to win the penalty kick shootout to advance to the USL Cup Final.
11.Derrick Etienne Jr. vs Swope Park Rangers (10/13)
Never doubt Derrick’s right foot. His quick touch and curling shot from just outside of 18 yards started the scoring in the USL Cup Final against the Swope Park Rangers.
