HARRISON, N.J. (October 17, 2025) – New York Red Bulls II (17-6-5, 58 pts) to host Carolina Core FC (8-10-10, 39 pts) at MSU Soccer Park on the campus of Montclair State University for 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinal clash on Sunday, October 19. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. James Hadnot will have the play-by-play while Christopher Nurse will take on analyst responsibilities.
New York finished their 2025 MLS NEXT Pro campaign on top of the Eastern Conference table and earned club’s second ever Eastern Conference regular season title. They scored 68 goals this season which was the second-most in MLS NEXT Pro and their 17 wins are tied with St Louis for the most in the league this season.
Red Bulls II finished their season strong going unbeaten in five of their last six matches. They were last in action for a high stakes Decision Day matchup against Toronto FC II on October 5 at MSU Soccer Park. Midfielder Andy Rojas netted his first career MLS NEXT Pro brace to lead the side to a 2-1 victory and clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
Carolina finished eighth in the Eastern Conference and went winless in their final three matches. On Decision Day they fell 3-0 in a road match against Huntsville.
Through three all-time MLS NEXT Pro matchups against Carolina, New York are 1-1-1. The side is unbeaten in their last two matches against Core FC.
The two sides last faced each other on June 21 at Truist Point Stadium in Red Bulls II Head Coach Michael Bradley’s first match. New York opened the scoring in the 16th minute when midfielder Rafael Mosquera played a low driven ball into the box to forward Tanner Rosborough who placed a left footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Carolina scored an equalizer in the 40th minute when forward Glory Nzingo received a through ball and laced a shot into the bottom left corner of the net. Red Bulls II found the match winner in the 50th minute. Midfielder Nehuén Benedetti hopped on a rebound in the box into the top right corner.
Rojas is hitting form at the right time as he has scored three goals in his last two matches.
Mosquera leads the current roster with three goal contributions in his last two appearances against Carolina.
New York has been near invincible at home this season with a record of 10-1-3. Their 10 home wins this year are the most in MLS NEXT Pro and the second-most in club history.
