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Johnny Exantus with an assist as NYRed Bulls U-17s top S.F. United 2-0 on Friday

The New York Red Bulls' U-17 team defeated San Francisco United SC 2-0 on Friday in group play of the United Soccer League Super-Y Finals in Tampa, Fla.

The win was anchored by a pair of goals from forward Walter Hines.

In the 16th minute, forward Johnny Exantus grabbed the assist off a give-and-go play with Hines to give the Red Bulls an early lead.

"The ball got to his feet, then he gave it to me," Hines said. "I ran, then I tapped it in and scored."

According to Red Bulls head coach Paul O'Donnell, the win wasn't easy, as both teams played good soccer.

"It was a well-played game for both teams," O'Donnell said. "Both teams were good technically."

After nearly 70 more minutes of scoreless play, the Red Bulls got back on the board with another Hines goal in the 85th minute to seal the win.

The goal was set up by a cross from Sascha Donougher, another play where Hines started with the ball.

"I started the play from the half line," Hines said. "I kept running and Sascha crossed the ball, then Johnny led it to me."

The lack of offensive production throughout the middle of the game, according to O'Donnell, could be attributed to a 30-minute layoff due to an injury sustained by one of the players in the first half.

"It disrupted our flow early on," O'Donnell said. "But in the second half, we had the wind and we got it going."

While they shut out their opposition, O'Donnell was far from satisfied with the team's defensive performance, stating they will need to improve to stay alive in the tournament.

"Defensively, we weren't sharp enough," O'Donnell said. "I think our communication has to be a lot better."

New York Red Bulls' starting 11: Conrad Rusnak, Andrew Cuevas, Anthony Vázquez, Andreas Chronis, Steven Amaya, John Tardy, Mario Ríos, Matt Kassel, Jay Fartura, Walter Hines, Johnny Exantus

Up next for the Red Bulls

In a rematch of the Men's Super-20 Final, the Red Bulls take on Kendall SC Saturday. Kendall prevailed in the teams' last meeting after a seven-round shootout.

The game will be played in the main stadium of Ed Radice Park, and O'Donnell is preparing his team for a loud and large crowd.

"There are going to be 4,000 to 5,000 fans," O'Donnell said. "So we have to improve our communication on the field."

That match will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. ET.

On Sunday, the Red Bulls will face Victoria United in the final game of group play.

Only one team from the group will move on to the Super-Y semifinals, which will be held on Monday.