The cream has risen to the top in the Eastern Conference, setting up a huge matchup in the Conference Final.
New York Red Bulls II, the hottest-scoring club in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, will face Philadelphia Union II. Union II can similarly pick the opposition's poison up top, while also boasting a league-leading backline.
It's fitting that Red Bulls II and Union II meet in the East final, with the clubs tying on 58 points during the regular season. Red Bulls II enter the matchup off a 5-3 win over Chicago Fire FC II after extra time. Union II's 1-0 win over Huntsville City FC in the other quarterfinal didn't have an eye-popping scoreline, but Union II held their opponent without a single shot on goal.
Union II takes to the road for the first time this postseason, facing RBNY II at Sports Illustrated Stadium. This time, a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final is on the line.
Here’s what to expect from the 2025 Eastern Conference Final:
Union II find themselves in the Eastern Conference Final for the second straight year. The Union II squad has playoff experience and, importantly, the hunger to make its way back to MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Last year, North Texas SC dashed the hopes of a Union II side that seemed destined for a trophy following an outstanding regular season campaign.
MLS NEXT Pro Defender of the Year Neil Pierre and the Union II backline have taken care of business so far in the playoffs. Union II held Huntsville City FC to a shutout without a single shot on target, and before that shut down FC Cincinnati 2's explosive attack in a 2-1 win.
Union II's road form in 2025 is among the best in the league at 8-3-3. The main question faced by Union II coach Ryan Richter will be whether his team can either stop or keep up with Red Bulls II's attacking strength.
Red Bulls II will be encouraged by an undefeated record against their rivals in 2025. The squad has torn through the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, scoring five goals in each of its two playoff games. A shootout seems to play into Red Bulls II's favor, with Fire II unable to keep up with Andy Rojas and Mijahir Jimenez scoring in extra time of the previous round.
Both clubs feature plenty of attacking talent. Red Bulls II coach Michael Bradley can count on Rojas, Jimenez, Roald Mitchell, Rafael Mosquera, or Nehuen Benedetti. Union II's duo of Stas Korzeniowski and Malik Jakupovic have scored eight goals each in 2025.
Red Bulls II are already making club history with their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in their MLS NEXT Pro era. Union II have made the playoffs each of the last four years and has a clear mission to rewrite the script from 2024's disappointment.
Players to Watch
Red Bulls II: Rafael Mosquera
Mosquera isn't in the same scoring form as teammates like Mitchell or Benedetti. However, with 7g/10a on the season, it's clear to see he is the engine of the RBNY II' attack. He supplies his teammates with scoring chances and takes them for himself, too. The 20-year-old Panama international is in his third year, making regular appearances in MLS NEXT Pro. He seems uniquely poised to carry Red Bulls II to new heights.
Union II: Neil Pierre
Pierre has had one of the best seasons of all MLS NEXT Pro players, leading a backline that conceded the second-fewest goals in the league and scoring four goals. The 18-year-old centerback will be challenged in this matchup, but he has experience in pressure situations that his teammates can depend on.
More:
MLSNEXTPro.com recently caught up with the RBNY II camp with editions of Coaches corner and Player Profile.
