New York Red Bulls II (3-0-1, 10 pts) defeat Chicago Fire FC II (2-2-0, 6 pts.) 3-2 at MSU Soccer Park on MLS NEXT Pro Matchday 4.
New York opened the scoring in the 14th minute, as defender Matthew Dos Santos ripped a left-footed shot off a free kick opportunity that curled over the wall and into the near post.
Chicago equalized shortly after the break, as midfielder Sam Williams slotted a centering pass from the end line to forward Dean Boltz, who flicked a right-footed shot into the back of the net in the 49th minute.
Red Bulls II reclaimed the advantage in the 72nd minute as midfielder Nehuen Benedetti flicked a feed to midfielder Ibrahim Kasule who played the ball to forward Julian Hall on the edge of the box. Hall collected the pass, turned, and ripped a shot into the back of the net.
The home side doubled their advantage in the waning moments of the contest, as Kasule settled down a clear attempt off a corner kick in the 89th minute and sent a shot past the keeper from the edge of the box.
Chicago cut the deficit in half two minutes later, as midfielder Peter Soudan collected a loose ball following a scramble in the box and played a pass to midfielder Claudio Cassano, who scored off a low shot attempt to the far side of the net.
With the victory, Red Bulls II tied their best start through four matches in club history at 3-0-1 along with the 2019 and 2024 campaigns. The match marked New York’s 60th in MLS NEXT Pro competition.
This was New York’s 125th win in club history
New York remained undefeated against Chicago at home, improving to 3-0-2 at MSU Soccer Park against the club.
Red Bulls II has tallied three goals in back-to-back contests.
Dos Santos recorded his first professional goal in his fourth career start for Red Bulls II.
Hall notched his second goal of the campaign and 11th of his Red Bulls II career. He has scored in back-to-back contests. He also notched his 30th career appearance with the club.
Kasule recorded his first goal of the season and 23rd of his New York career, one shy of the club’s all-time mark of 24 set by Brandon Allen. With his assist, he moved into a tie with O’Vonte Mullings for fifth in club history with 10. The midfielder has tallied five career goals against Chicago.
Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes tallied two saves in net for New York, moving into a tie with Ryan Meara for fourth-most in club history at 75.
Midfielder Rafael Mosquera made his 15th career start for Red Bulls II, with midfielder Adri Mehmeti notching his 10th of his career,
Midfielder Benedetti made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in the match, entering as a substitute in the 57th minute.
Following Sunday’s match, New York will travel to NKU Soccer Stadium to face FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, April 20. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLSNEXTPro.com.
