Red Bulls II Claim Eastern Conference Crown with Mitchell's Brace

HARRISON, NJ— Roald Mitchell scored two second-half goals Saturday night to lift New York Red Bulls II past Philadelphia Union II 2-1 and claim the Eastern Conference championship at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

The 22-year-old Montclair native's heroics earned RBNY II their first berth in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup final and capped a perfect 3-0 playoff run under first-year head coach Michael Bradley.

Philadelphia took the lead in the 38th minute when Eddy Davis slipped a pass across the six-yard box to Stas Korzeniowski, who finished with a first-time shot into the top corner. The visitors carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime, frustrating the home side with disciplined defending.

Bradley made adjustments at the break that proved decisive. RBNY II pressed higher in the second half and created better scoring chances through improved passing in the final third.

Mitchell pulled the home side level in the 71st minute. Midfielder Adri Mehmeti played a wide ball to defender Matthew Dos Santos, who delivered a cross that Mitchell controlled before firing into the net. The goal energized both the team and the crowd.

Twelve minutes later, Mitchell struck again with an even better finish. Mehmeti threaded a through ball into space, and Mitchell curled a shot from the right side of the box into the top corner to complete his brace and send the home fans into celebration.

Philadelphia pushed forward desperately in the closing minutes but couldn't find an equalizer as RBNY II's defense held firm to preserve the victory.

Mitchell's four playoff goals tie him with Korzeniowski for most in this year's tournament. One more goal would set the MLS NEXT Pro single-playoff record. The Wake Forest product has scored 19 career goals for RBNY II across all competitions.

Mehmeti recorded two assists for the first time in his career and now has four helpers in his last three matches. Dos Santos notched his second playoff assist, the most by a defender in club postseason history.

Goalkeeper Austin Causey made two saves to bring his playoff total to eight, second-most among all MLS NEXT Pro goalkeepers this postseason.

For Philadelphia, the loss ended a record-breaking season. Korzeniowski's fourth playoff goal wasn't enough to extend Union II's campaign. Davis provided the assist in what proved to be the visitors' final match of 2025.

Bradley became the first coach in RBNY II history to win his first three playoff matches. The Eastern Conference title is the club's first since winning the USL Eastern Conference crown in 2016.

RBNY II will host Colorado Rapids 2 in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup final on Saturday, November 8 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with coverage available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Rapids 2 advanced to the final with a 2-1 victory over MNUFC2 on November 2 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The matchup marks the first meeting between the two clubs and both teams' first appearance in an MLS NEXT Pro Cup final.