New York Red Bulls II vs. Philadelphia Union 2
MSU Soccer Park – Montclair, N.J.
Sunday, September 24 – 2:00 p.m. ET
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
#NYvPHI
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (September 24, 2023) - New York Red Bulls II (14-7-6, 51 pts.) are set for last matchup the regular season against Philadelphia Union 2 (11-12-4, 39 pts.) at MSU Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET and coverage is available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV.
New York Red Bulls II have already made their mark on MLS NEXT Pro in the club’s inaugural season by locking in a playoff spot and competing for a top three spot in the conference. While New York will be attempting to move up in the standings for better seeding, Philadelphia will be playing for their playoff hopes, as the team will clinch a spot if they manage to earn a victory in regulation.
Red Bulls II are in the midst of a five-match unbeaten streak, extending all the way back to early August. New York has scored 18 goals over that span and have only allowed seven. An increase in offensive output and a stout defensive line has the club playing some of their best soccer of the entire regular season as the playoffs get closer and closer.
Philadelphia has gotten the better of New York in both matchups this season, winning both by a score of 2-1. The two matches between these sides have been impressive on the defensive end, as the goals and high-quality chances proved to be hard to come by. It took a last-minute strike from Luciano Sanchez to seal Philly’s victory in the most recent contest after the defensive lines on both ends put in their best efforts.
The attacking play from New York has been the best that it has looked all season, but that does not take away the consistency that it has seen throughout the year. Red Bulls II have only been shutout in one match this season, in a 0-0 draw against Chicago Fire FC II that resulted in New York taking two points on the road after a shootout. The club has scored three-plus goals in three of the last four matches and looks to continue that form headed into today’s match.
While the attack has been in top form, the defensive play from New York throughout the entire regular season cannot be overlooked. Red Bulls II sit at the top of the league in just about every major defensive statistic. The club is currently at second in MLS NEXT Pro in least goals allowed with 33, which is a massive contributor to New York having the fourth highest goal differential as well at +19.
Red Bulls II are sitting at 4th in the Eastern Conference table and will be keeping an eye on the match between Columbus Crew 2 and Atlanta United 2, as the result will help determine final playoff positioning. Philadelphia currently sits in the last spot of the playoff picture at 7th place in the and need a positive result to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Coverage is available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV.
