Union II Fall Short to NYRB II in Eastern Conference Final Clash

The Eastern Conference Final lived up to the billing as New York Red Bulls II and Philadelphia Union II delivered a high-energy clash between two sides that have been among MLS NEXT Pro’s most consistent all season. In a game full of momentum swings, near-misses, and big moments on both ends, Red Bulls II ultimately edged Union II 2-1 to punch their ticket to the league final.

There were several changes for Union II heading into the match. Noah Probst stepped into the midfield for Nick Pariano, who did not feature, while George Marks started in goal with Andrew Rick unavailable due to a conflicting playoff schedule with the senior team. CJ Olney was moved out wide to the left, leaving a midfield pairing of Probst and Oscar Benitez that brought more defensive grit than creative flair. The shift was less tactical and more about covering for the absence of Pariano. Although unplanned, the change helped match Red Bulls II’s physical and direct style of play, a challenge Union II had struggled to solve throughout the year. They had failed to beat New York in open play in either of their previous meetings, and both sides entered the final level on 68 points from the regular season, making this a fitting clash between equals.

Union II started the match on the front foot, applying early pressure and nearly finding the opener when Neil Pierre’s back-post header from a corner rattled off the crossbar in just the 7th minute. Moments later, a huge save from the Red Bulls goalkeeper kept the score level. The home side responded quickly, forcing George Marks into an excellent save in the 9th minute after a slick move in transition.

In the 15th minute, Markus Anderson broke forward in a 3v1 situation, but his shot was deflected wide. Union II’s persistence paid off soon after when Stas Korzeniowski continued his remarkable postseason run, scoring his seventh in seven. His well-timed run and clinical finish from Eddy Davis III’s low cross gave Philadelphia the 1-0 lead they deserved.

The second half began with another golden opportunity for Union II as Eddy Davis III found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the 56th minute, but his driven shot rolled just wide, a miss that would prove costly. Red Bulls II began to grow into the game again, and Marks was called upon in the 65th minute to make another big save after a clever ball into the box.

In the 70th minute, New York finally broke through. A cross from the left, which was more hopeful than precise, happened to settle perfectly for Roald Mitchell, who showed great composure to control and fire home from close range. The equalizer shifted momentum heavily in Red Bulls’ favor, and Union II struggled to regain their attacking rhythm after sitting back for long stretches.

Philadelphia came agonizingly close to retaking the lead when Sal Olivas’s glancing header struck the post from a CJ Olney free kick, but the rebound came too quickly for Pierre to convert. Red Bulls II capitalized late, with Mitchell grabbing his second in the 82nd minute, a composed finish at the near post after breaking through the back line to seal the 2-1 win. The miss from Eddy Davis III will surely haunt the squad for a long time, considering that it would have been the go-ahead goal in the match.

Despite the loss, it was an outstanding campaign for Union II. The club’s emphasis on player development was evident throughout the season. Neil Pierre emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in the league, while Stas Korzeniowski’s breakout form has positioned him as a potential first-team option. Both players showcased qualities that align with the senior team’s style, with Pierre’s physical presence and defensive instincts complementing Korzeniowski’s strength and movement up top. As a developmental league, fans should recognize that pushing players onto the senior team is just as important a feat as winning the cup. The Union organization excels at taking young talent and turning them into impactful senior players. Hopefully, Niel Pierre can follow a growing line of Union II products to see first-team minutes, up there with the likes of Brendan Aaronson and Nathan Harriel.

Union II exit the playoffs with their heads high, having proven their ability to compete at the highest level of MLS NEXT Pro while continuing to produce talent ready to take the next step.