HARRISON, N.J. - After a rollercoaster 3-3 thrill ride at Sports Illustrated Stadium, New York Red Bulls II are the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro champions!
After a nervy deadlock in regulation, they could not be separated from visiting Colorado Rapids 2 in extra time and had to settle it in shootout fashion.
Nate Worth, Mijahir Jiménez, and Andy Rojas did their part from the spot. A Rapids 2 shot off the post and miss in the second frame teed up a save from RBNY II goalkeeper Austin Causey seal the win.
There’s just something about a cup final that brings on the chaos.
Rapids 2, against the run of play, stole a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to point-blank finishes from striker Mamadou Billo Diop and winger James Cameron.
Not enough to put the hosts away, RBNY II grew back into the game and tossed it on its head with rapid-succession goals from winger Rafael Mosquera and striker Roald Mitchell.
They swapped goals yet again as the clock ticked away to the end of regulation, Rapids 2 taking a short-lived lead thanks to supersub Antony García in the 71st minute. But, it was canceled out by a penalty concession that Mosquera buried to keep the game alive and complete his brace.
The win marks RBNY II's first championship of their MLS NEXT Pro era, and earns American soccer legend Michael Bradley a title in his coaching debut.
Goals
Cup MVP
For his brace in regulation to start the comeback and send it to extra time, the 20-year-old Panamanian winger earned the extra hardware.
Decorated coach
Michael Bradley, who took over the first-place RBNY II in June, earns his first piece of hardware on the other side of the touchline. The Princeton, New Jersey, native's time with the club dates back to their MetroStars days, adding to his club legacy in the first year of his coaching chapter.
