HARRISON, N.J. (June 29, 2026) – Red Bull New York II winger Dennis Nelich has been named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 17, the league announced today.
Nelich earned the honor after scoring his first career MLS NEXT Pro hat-trick in the club’s 5-0 victory against Philadelphia Union II at MSU Soccer Park.
After scoring the lone goal in the first half in the 35th minute, the 18-year-old scored twice in a six-minute span during the second half.
At 18 years and 117 days old, he became the second-youngest in club history to record a hat-trick in MLS NEXT Pro play.
In the last two matches against Philadelphia, the winger has found the back of the net four times.
With five goals this season, Nelich leads the team in scoring. Earlier this campaign, Nelich earned MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 9 after scoring the match-winning goal in their comeback victory at Philadelphia on May 3.
Next on the schedule for Red Bulls II is Cincinnati, who they will face at Scudamore Field at NKU Soccer Stadium on Sunday, July 5. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET with coverage available on OneFootball and MLSNEXTPro.com.
