HARRISON, N.J. (February 28, 2026) – Red Bull New York II set to host Columbus Crew 2 for 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season opener at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, March 1. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET. English broadcast of the matchwill air for free on MLSNEXT Pro.com and OneFootball.
New York are coming off a stellar 2025 campaign that saw the side finish first in the Eastern Conference and score the second-most goals in a single MLS NEXT Pro season in league history and most goals in a single MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs campaign en route to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup title. The side will look to become the first team in league history to win back to back MLS NEXT Pro Cup titles.
There will be some new faces for RBNY II this season with the biggest one being at the helm. The club hired former Red Bull New York assistant coach Dominik Wohlert as their new Head Coach. Wohlert spent the last four seasons as an assistant with New York’s first team, leading them to a 2024 Eastern Conference Title and three postseason appearances. In his first professional Head Coaching role, he looks to lead the group with energy, structure and ambition.
The squad has also brought in eight new players in midfielders Paul Sokoloff, Sekou Kone, Makan Sissoko, defenders Aimar Sanchez, Shunya Sakai, Alexander Julio, Erick Londono and goalkeeper Tomas Hutwho will all look to have an impact this season.
New York are fresh off a week long preseason camp in Panama City, Panama. The side played two friendly matches falling 4-3 to Tauro FC and securing a come from behind 2-1 victory over C.D. Plaza Amador.
Columbus finished in last place in the Eastern Conference last season and finishing with 22 pts.
Red Bull II currently hold the advantage in the series going 5-2-1 and have won each of the sides last three matches and have outscored them 10-5 during this span. The two sides last faced one another in a 11-goal thriller. Where New York earned the 7-4 victory thanks to a hat trick from midfielder Nehuen Benedetti, brace from Mitchell, and one goal apiece between midfielder Rafael Mosquera and Jimenez.
This will be the second time the two sides faced each other in a season opener and the first time since March 2023 when the sides fought to a 1-1 draw.
Following Sunday’s match, New York return home to face Inter Miami CF II at MSU Soccer Park on Saturday, March 8. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball.
