USL Preview: New York Red Bulls II vs. Toronto FC II

Young standouts set to feature at Red Bull Arena

HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls II host Toronto FC II on Saturday afternoon at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET.

New York Red Bulls II news and notes

• Current record: 0-0-0, 0 points
• The Red Bulls II are looking to build on an inaugural season that saw the club reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2015 USL Playoffs.
• The side has seen numerous changes this offseason, with only five players returning to John Wolyniec’s squad, led by forward Stefano Bonomo and midfielder Devon Williams.
• Bonomo had a major impact on joining the club in the middle of the 2015 season, as he recorded three goals and two assists in nine games during the regular season.
• One newcomer to watch for is Tim Schmoll, who is likely to make his professional debut after starring in the PDL for the Red Bulls U23s last summer as the club reached the PDL Championship Game.

Toronto FC II news and notes

• Current record: 0-0-0, 0 points
• Toronto FC II enters the new season looking for improvement on an up-and-down year in 2015. Coach Jason Bent will be hoping a year of professional experience will pay dividends as the squad returns a number of players.
• Leading the way is defender Skylar Thomas, who led TFC II in minutes a season ago. The big center back will be helped by goalkeeper Alex Bono, who is ready to bounce back after a difficult rookie season.
• After signing with the club’s MLS side this offseason, Mo Babouli is expected to be available on loan this Saturday after leading TFC II with four goals and four assists a season ago.
• TFC II will be without Luca Uccello and Liam Fraser for Saturday’s game, after both players were selected to the Canada U20 National Team that takes on England this Sunday.

Team leaders last season

• Goals: New York – Marius Obekop, 6; Toronto – Molham Babouli 4
• Assists: New York – Dan Bedoya, 4; Toronto – Molham Babouli 4

Series notes

• New York swept the two-game series a year ago, earning a 4-1 win at Red Bull Arena, and a 2-0 win at the Ontario Soccer Centre

Officials

• REF: Mark Allatin
• AR1: Zeno Gyuho Cho
• AR2: Kevin Cavalcanti
• 4TH: Wojciech Gluszak

Game hashtag

• #NYvTOR