Montclair, N.J. — On a cool Sunday night at MSU Soccer Park, Red Bull New York II didn’t just beat Columbus Crew 2 — they made a statement. In a matchup between two of the top teams in MLS NEXT Pro’s Eastern Conference, Red Bulls II delivered a commanding 4-1 win, showing off attacking depth, composure, and a relentless pace that overwhelmed Columbus from the opening whistle.
Coming into the match tied near the top of the standings, both sides knew the stakes. But by the time the first half ended, it was clear only one team showed up ready to take control.
Red Bulls II wasted no time setting the tone. In the 19th minute, they cracked open the game with a sequence that perfectly reflected their style — quick movement, smart positioning, and confidence in the final third. Forward Dennis Nelich started the play by working the ball wide to Dennis Gjengaar, who quickly delivered a pass into space for Nate Worth. With little hesitation, Worth took a touch toward the endline and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner. It was clean, precise, and exactly the kind of finish that gets a team rolling.
Just six minutes later, Red Bulls II doubled their lead, and again it came through fluid attacking play. Andy Rojas sparked a counterattack with a forward ball to Gjengaar, who pushed the pace and found Nelich in stride. Cutting inside at the top of the box, Nelich let a shot fly that took a slight deflection off a Columbus defender before sneaking into the bottom right corner. Whether it was luck or intent didn’t matter — the Red Bulls II were firmly in control at 2-0.
Columbus struggled to respond. Every time they looked to build possession, New York’s press disrupted their rhythm. The midfield trio, led by Worth and Gjengaar, dictated tempo and consistently forced turnovers in dangerous areas.
As the first half ticked into stoppage time, Red Bulls II delivered what felt like the knockout punch. Gjengaar once again played a central role, holding up the ball near the top of the box before slipping a perfectly weighted pass wide to Worth. Worth struck a shot that ricocheted off the right post, but Roald Mitchell was in the perfect spot to capitalize, redirecting the rebound into the net. The goal made it 3-0 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Mitchell’s goal added to his growing reputation as one of the team’s most reliable finishers. It marked his fourth of the season and continued a strong run of form, especially against Columbus, a team he’s consistently found success against.
Down three goals, Columbus Crew 2 needed a quick response in the second half — and to their credit, they found one. In the 52nd minute, Alex Gimple reacted quickly after a shot was saved by Red Bulls II goalkeeper Aidan Stokes. Gimple collected the loose ball and sent a pass across the six-yard box, where Zachary Zengue finished into the bottom right corner. It cut the deficit to 3-1 and briefly gave Columbus a spark.
But that momentum didn’t last long.
Just six minutes later, New York responded with authority. Off a corner kick delivered by Worth, defender Julian Bazan rose to meet the ball with a header that was initially saved. Staying alert, Bazan pounced on the rebound and buried a left-footed shot into the top left corner, restoring the three-goal cushion at 4-1.
For Bazan, it was a moment to remember. The defender was making his MLS NEXT Pro debut and first career start, and he capped it off with his first goal — a performance that will likely earn him more opportunities moving forward.
Worth, who opened the scoring, played a key role throughout the night. In addition to his goal, he added an assist on Bazan’s strike, bringing his season total to four assists. Even more impressive, he now has four goal contributions in his last two matches, showing he’s becoming a central figure in the Red Bulls II attack.
Gjengaar also delivered one of his most impactful performances of the season, registering his first two MLS NEXT Pro assists. His vision and ability to connect plays in transition were critical in breaking down Columbus’ defense.
While the attack stole the headlines, the defensive side of the ball deserves just as much credit. Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes made six saves, several of them coming at key moments when Columbus tried to claw their way back into the match. His composure and shot-stopping ability helped ensure that the early lead never came under serious threat.
By the final whistle, the numbers told the story. Four different goal scorers. Three goals before halftime. Six saves from the goalkeeper. It was a complete performance from a team hitting its stride at the right time.
The win not only improved Red Bulls II’s record to 5-0-2 (17 points at the time of reporting) but also gave them separation from Columbus in the standings. More importantly, it reinforced their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and a serious contender moving forward.
Their dominance didn’t go unnoticed. Following the match, Red Bulls II were named MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 8, a recognition that reflected just how impressive the performance was on both sides of the ball.
For Columbus Crew 2, the loss serves as a reminder of how thin the margin is at the top. Despite entering the match with strong form, they were unable to match New York’s intensity and execution, particularly in the first half.
Looking ahead, Red Bulls II will aim to carry this momentum on the road as they prepare to face Philadelphia Union II at Subaru Park on May 3. If this performance is any indication, they’ll head into that matchup full of confidence.
Sunday night wasn’t just about three points. It was about sending a message. And Red Bulls II made sure everyone in MLS NEXT Pro heard it loud and clear.
