NY Empire FC Edge Red Hook FC 3-2 in Rainy Thriller

On a wet and wild Saturday night, NY Empire FC secured their first home win of the season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Red Hook FC.

Empire wasted no time getting on the board, as Zane Brown tapped home a low cross from Mason Chetti in just the 6th minute to give the hosts an early lead. The pressure continued throughout the half, and in the 42nd minute, Steven Rojas doubled the advantage with a highlight-reel strike—curling a shot from outside the box into the upper 90.

Red Hook, however, responded almost immediately, pulling one back in the 43rd minute to cut the lead to 2-1 heading into halftime.

The second half saw Empire continue to control the tempo. A key substitution in the 70th minute proved decisive, as Jesper Mikkelson came off the bench and made his mark with a composed finish in the 82nd minute to restore a two-goal cushion at 3-1. Red Hook mounted late pressure, clawing one back in the 89th minute, but goalkeeper Kenny Cordova came up with a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve all three points.

Empire’s backline stood strong despite the conditions, with center-backs Matthais Adamek and Trevor Henderson earning praise for their commanding performances. The night also marked the return of star midfielder Nico Reinoso, making his season debut after missing the first two matches.

Head coach Max Ferro praised his side’s grit after the final whistle. “We’re happy with the performance and glad to get the three points,” Ferro said. “Now it’s about keeping the momentum going.”

NY Empire FC (1-1-1) return to action at home on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. when they host Kelmendi FC.