Another week, another big win for Red Bull New York II.
The defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champs posted a 5-0 scoreline on regional rival Philadelphia Union II, emerging as the undeniable selection for Team of the Matchweek in back-to-back weeks.
At the heart of the dominant performance was winger Dennis Nelich, who posted a must-see hat trick with three bangers that'll swiftly move to the top of his sizzle reel. He earns his first Player of the Matchweek selection after going professional earlier in the month.
On the Academy side, Chicago Fire Academy winger Damyan Villanueva came up clutch with his first two professional goals in Fire II's 2-2 tie at Chattanooga FC, grabbing the MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek nod in the process.
Read more about Matchweek 17's winners below.
In back-to-back weeks, RBNY II have posted 5-0 wins.
This time, over 1-95 rivals Union II, the hearty win might have been their best performance of the season.
Nelich was at the center of it all, opening the scoring in the 35th minute and adding insurance in the second half. Academy midfielder Sean Baitinger and recent product Paul Sokoloff added insult to injury with respective goals in the second half.
The dominant outing saw RBNY II out-shoot Union II 16-5, only allowing one shot on goal.
With the big win, the defending champs move into third place in the Eastern Conference.
The hat-trick hero of RBNY II's Team of the Matchweek selection, Nelich gets the additional flower for leading the charge.
The 18-year-old winger's breakout performance put the match out of reach, improving his season tally to 5g/4a to lead RBNY II in goals scored and share the co-lead for goal contributions with Dennis Gjengaar.
Nelich, an RBNY Academy product, signed his first professional contract on June 18. He'll remain on the RBNY II roster through 2027 before converting to a homegrown for the first team.
The Fire Academy also had something to celebrate in Matchweek 17.
17-year-old Villanueva opened his professional account in style with a brace that proved vital in Fire II grabbing valuable points on the road. This year, Villanueva has posted 2g/4a in 618 MLS NEXT Pro minutes across 14 appearances for Fire II.
It may not be the only thing he wins this week, as his second strike will be up for Goal of the Matchweek.
