Union II fall in MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference final to Red Bulls II

Philadelphia Union II fell just short in the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference Final on Saturday night, losing the match 2-1 to New York Red Bulls II.

Stas Korzeniowski scored the first goal to give Union II the lead, but Roald Mitchell’s second half brace motivated a comeback for Red Bulls, ending the Union II season.

Union II traveled to Sports Illustrated Stadium for the Eastern Conference Final, which was played at the site of New York Red Bulls’ senior team. For a spot in the MLS Next Pro Cup Final, Union II had to defeat their bitter rivals who finished just ahead of them in the regular season, earning hosting priority for the Eastern Conference Final. Union II were looking to return to the MLS Next Pro Cup Final for the second year running after losing the final in Dallas in 2024. The young Philadelphia team was looking for revenge on New York after dropping their most recent regular season match 2-0.

The match started in a tense and cagey manner, with both teams earning set pieces but failing to cash in. The deadlock was broken in the 38 th minute when young Union II forward Eddy Davis picked up the ball in midfield and made a mazy solo run before squaring a low cross to Korzeniowski, who deflected the ball into the back of the net from point blank range. The red- hot Korzeniowski continued his impressive scoring streak, claiming a goal in his 7th consecutive game.

Union II continued to ask questions of the Red Bulls II defense in the second half. Davis went on another long run from midfield, eliminating both Red Bulls center backs in the 55 th minute before pushing his chance just wide from inside the box. The miss gave a lifeline to the Red Bulls, who equalized in the 71st minute through star forward Roald Mitchell. The Montclair, NJ native received a cross from Matthew Dos Santos, taking his first touch on to his left foot away from the defender before firing a powerful shot past Union II goalkeeper George Marks.

Philadelphia had a golden chance to retake the lead in the 79th minute when C.J. Olney crossed in a free kick from the left flank, finding the head of Sal Olivas. The young striker deflected a header towards the far post, hitting the woodwork and coming back into the penalty area. Neil Pierre could not turn the ball into the net, and the score remained tied. Just minutes later, Red Bulls II put the ball into the back of the net after a great team buildup, but the referee instantly signaled for an offside in the buildup.

The moment came in the 83rd minute when young Red Bulls midfielder Adri Mehmeti dumped a long ball over the top behind the Union II center backs. Mitchell beat everyone to the ball, settling it perfectly with his first touch before catching Marks out of position at his near post. The quality finish gave Red Bulls II the 2-1 lead.

A late set piece opportunity went begging for Union II, and Mitchell’s second goal ended up being the winner as Red Bulls II defeated Union II by a score of 2-1. After trailing for the majority of the match, Red Bulls II advance to the MLS Next Pro Cup Final, and Union II’s season is over. It was a tough end to the season for Union II, who failed to repeat as conference champions.