MONTCLAIR, N.J. — In perhaps the biggest win in the club’s 2 1/2 seasons, Huntsville City FC knocked off first-place New York Red Bulls II in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory Sunday.
“It’s great to get a result on the road against a tough competitor in New York Red Bull team, they are at the top for a reason,” said HCFC Head Coach Chris O’Neal.
Alan Carleton’s score at the 83rd minute proved to be the game-winner as the Boys in Blue improve to 6-3-5 for 26 points on the season.
HCFC, unbeaten in four of their last five matches, is in fifth place in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference. Red Bulls II fall to 10-3-3, 34 points, but remain in first place.
HCFC got off to a slow start in the match when Red Bulls II forward Rafael Mosquera beat goalkeeper Erik Lauta just 26 minutes into the match.
But, the Boys in Blue tightened the defense and provided offensive pressure for the rest of the first half and into the second half.
At the 72nd minute, Carleton provided a beautiful pass to Gunnar Studenhofft who beat a fallen Red Bulls II defender, deked around goalkeeper Aidan Stokes and put the ball into an open net for a 1-1 score.
It was Studenhofft’s fifth goal of the season and marked five assists for Carleton.
Huntsville City took the lead about 10 minutes later after a Red Bulls II turnover in the HCFC end resulted in a quick HCFC counter and Carleton’s fifth goal of the season.
The Boys in Blue outshot Red Bulls II 12-9, including a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal.
“This was a great character-building game for our guys to be able manage and push through tough moments,” O’Neal said. “We are excited for the second half of the season and will look to build off this type of performance.”
HCFC returns to action next Sunday against FC Cincinnati 2 at Northern Kentucky University. Kickoff is 5 p.m.
The club’s next home match is July 18 when Columbus Crew 2 visits Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff. For ticket information, click here.
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