New York Red Bulls II start the 2025 MLS Next Pro season with a 1-0 win over Atlanta United 2 thanks to a second half goal from Andy Rojas. The Costa Rican international who joined the club just a month ago was the difference maker, sparking an offense that was mostly quiet and kept on their toes by a dynamic Atlanta team.
Overall Atlanta had more of the ball and created more of the credible chances in the first half. The home club came close to opening the scoring in the 44th minute when a ball into the back post was headed into the net by Atlanta striker Neri Gonzalez. The linesman’s flag came up immediately to wipe the goal off the board and give Red Bulls II a reprieve.
Atlanta’s pressure continued in the second half as poor passing from the midfield led to interceptions and counter attacks. The pressure was sustained as Red Bulls II took up more of a defensive posture, allowing the opposition to play with the ball more statistically.
It was during one of those advances that Red Bulls struck. A deflected throw-in eventually found the foot of Rojas. The Costa Rican dribbled into the box and took a shot that was partially blocked by the Atlanta defense but dipped its way into the back of the net for the game’s only goal. The scoreline didn’t deter Atlanta’s advances as they continued to push for the equalizer. To their credit, New York worked on catching the advanced home team with balls over the defense but found little success.
While Red Bulls II pulled out the win, their connectivity in the midfield left much to be desired. With only five total shots and two on target, New York was able to take all three points while not playing up to their potential.
Next will be a game on St. Patrick’s Day against Philadelphia Union II as the club looks for consistency at the start of the season.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls II: Stokes; Collahuazo, O’Connor, Ruiz, Modelo (72′ Berkley), Sserwadda, Sullivan, Dos Santos, Rojas (64′ Logan), Gallagher (81′ Ofori), Kasule
Atlanta United 2: Hibbert; Wynne, Mazzaferro, Morales, Dunham (84′ Gordan), Reilly, Armas, Tablante, Carmichael, Brennan, Gonzalez (76′ Weah)
SCORING SUMMARY:
51′ (New York Red Bulls II) Andy Rojas (1) unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
9′ (New York Red Bulls II) Dylan Sullivan – YELLOW CARD
27′ (New York Red Bulls II) Jair Collahuazo – YELLOW CARD
31′ (New York Red Bulls II) Juan Gutierrez Ruiz – YELLOW CARD
42′ (Atlanta United 2) Luke Brennan – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau