Red Bull II Punish Union II in Physical, Chaotic Battle

Credit: MLS NEXT Pro

This one was anything but a tactical chess match. It was more of a scrap between two aggressive sides, played at a breakneck, end-to-end pace that felt more like basketball than soccer at times.

Union II’s early woes began in the 11th minute when Rick, lingering far too long on the ball, was dispossessed for a gift of an open goal. It was an uncharacteristic lapse for a side not typically obsessed with building out from the back. Red Bull II smelled blood, pressing with precision and looking more decisive in possession than their hosts.

The visitors doubled their lead after another costly Union giveaway left the backline wide open, this time striking ruthlessly on the counter. For much of the first half, Neil Pierre was the lone defensive bright spot. He threw himself into last-ditch tackles and used his physicality to prevent further damage.

Rick redeemed himself early in the second half with a crucial 1v1 stop, but Union II’s uphill climb got steeper when Benitez, flirting with a second yellow, was subbed off for safety. Red Bull II continued to dictate play, and while Union II began to apply pressure late with chances in the 84th minute (cleared off the line), the 88th minute (Stas Korzinowski denied 1v1), and the 90th minute (shot off the bar), it was too little and too late.

Neither side was particularly sharp on the ball, with loose touches and misplaced passes a theme of the night. Red Bull II simply had it a little more often in the key moments, and that was enough to turn their limited quality into goals. The fast turf may have played into their hands, matching their frantic, high-energy style. On a day when Union II’s brand of chaos backfired, they were handed a dose of their own medicine.

What Went Wrong for Union II

Perhaps Union II felt pressure to win with Red Bull II sitting above them in the table. That pressure allowed Red Bull II to settle into the match and play more comfortably throughout the night. After Rick’s early mistake, Union II were forced to chase the game even harder, which rushed them into a style of play they may not have wanted. With the table advantage and a comfortable home setting, Red Bull II had several factors working in their favor.

Union II might have been better off absorbing pressure and growing into the game rather than going for it immediately. They never gave themselves a baseline to build from, and the match became chaotic from the opening minutes. Benitez quickly became a frustrated figure, and with his head out of the game, gaps opened in midfield that Red Bull II exploited. When Union II did have the ball, their urgency from being behind led to rushed decisions and a lack of composure. It took until the 84th minute for them to look settled and in rhythm, but by then the damage had been done.

Final: Union II 0–2 Red Bull II

What’s Next

Union II will face Chicago Fire II away in Chicago on August 15 at 8 p.m. If Union II wants to keep its position in the table, this match is crucial. Chicago sits in fourth place with 38 points, but a win against Union II would push them to 41, just one point behind. Chicago II is a high-scoring side, finding the net even more than Red Bull II, and they will present a difficult challenge. Union II will need to tighten up defensively and find more composure in possession if they want to come away with points.