It’s been an eventful two weeks for the New York Red Bulls II (12-4-4) if for the wrong reasons. Their Midwest road trip started with a 9-2 loss vs Chicago Fire II on July 27 (while playing 76 minutes with 10 men), which broke the record for the most goals scored in a single match in MLS NEXT Pro history. But it ended on a high note in Columbus, where the Red Bulls II topped the Crew II 2-1 on July 31 despite playing 46 minutes with 10 men.
NYRB II defender Brooklyn Schwarz played 90 minutes in that game and he offered takeaways from the road trip.
“The game in Chicago, it really showed us that we always have to give 100% every single game, even though we got a red card early. Like our main takeaway from that was that we have to be mentally stronger still be willing to win and not give up on the game. And that was something we went in with into the Columbus game, we had the same situation, got a red card and we managed to score two goals, one goal when we had the red card and we defended with our hearts and with the mentality, and that was the main takeaway and positive thing we took with us, and that’s something we want to continue taking with us throughout the season.” – NYRB II defender Brooklyn Schwarz
Former USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley has a 3-2-2-1 record since taking over the managerial duties for the Red Bulls II on June 21. Bradley described what he saw from his team in their bounce back victory over Columbus Crew II on July 31.
“We weren’t happy with how we handled it in Chicago. And we talked a lot in the days between games about what a real strong response was going to look like. And then we obviously didn’t know at the time that we were going to get another chance right away to test ourselves, playing down a guy. But when things went that way in Columbus, the response of the group was really, really strong. And that part we were really pleased with. In any season, for any team there’s always going to be moments where things don’t go exactly the way that you want. And ultimately, the best teams, the best players, are the ones with the strongest mentalities and know how to respond. And so we were really, really pleased with that in Columbus.” – NYRB II head coach Michael Bradley
His team is going to need to be sharp ahead of their next game which is on August 11 against Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Union II (10-2-7-5) will come into Monday’s match in Montclair tied for the third-most goals scored (45) in the league and having conceded the fewest goals (17) in the league.
“I think everyone knows this is a high stakes game. We got the same amount of points. It’s a rivalry. We know Philadelphia is a good team. Philadelphia knows we’re a good team and I think it will be a fight at a high level. It will come down to who wants it more. I think we have the quality to beat them. We’ve scored a lot of goals. We know Philadelphia has scored a lot of goals, but like I said before, it comes down to who wants it more, who wants the first place. That’s what we’re prepared for.”
The reason its a high stakes game is that its a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy. The NYRB II and Union II come into this match tied on points (42) at the top of the conference. The Red Bulls II have held onto first place because they have 12 wins to Philly’s 10.
To compare Philly’s scorers to the Baby Bulls’, Malik Jakupovic leads the Union II with six goals. Meanwhile, forward Edward Davis leads the team with 8 goal contributions. Nehuen Benedetti leads the Red Bulls II with 13 goal contributions and his seven goals are tied with Tanner Rosborough for the team lead in goals.
Benedetti made his MLS debut on August 3 against CF Monterrey and was one of five Baby Bulls who made their MLS debuts with the New York Red Bulls during the last week. Another Baby Bull who can check this box now is Rafael Mosquera, who was the first full time Red Bulls II player to make his MLS debut this season when he was subbed onto the field against Chicago Fire FC on July 26.
Bradley described the pride he took in seeing five of his players make their MLS debuts, which includes academy product and Baby Bulls captain Adri Mehmeti.
Ultimately, that’s what Red Bull II is. Trying to find the right ways to improve and develop young players so that now they’re ready for the first team. Whenever we have players that get called into the first team, that get the chance to make their debut, that part is really special. Obviously, for a kid like Adri (Mehmeti), who has come through our academy, it’s even in some ways, it’s even more so because I know how proud every single Academy coach is. As a club, when you see a young kid like that standing on the sideline ready to come on for the first team, that’s a proud, special moment. So for all these guys, we’re happy for them
No matter how you slice it, the Union II are going to be one of the more formidable opponents the Baby Bulls have faced all year. The Baby Bulls played against them in the second game of the season back on March 17 and lost in shootout 1 (3): 1 (1).
It’s a really good team, a team that has a really strong identity. They know who they are and what they are. They believe in how they play, and they believe that the collective part of the football that they play in the way that they push games, is going to help them win. And so, they are clearly one of the best teams in our league. And so we’re really excited by the chance to test ourselves against them.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at MSU Soccer Park on the campus of Montclair State University on Monday night. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster or at the box office.
Schwarz described what he’s looking forward to about returning home after a two-game road trip.
I hope since it’s a rivalry game that a lot of people will come. Seeing the fans, and it’s always fun to play at home. Always, after a good win, you go to the fans. You thank them for coming and supporting you. I mean, that’s a big part of football, and that’s something I like about football. I think that will be fun if we could get a big win against Philadelphia at home.
