RED BULLS II ADVANCE TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
Red Bulls II players stand for the national anthem before their MLS NEXT Pro match against Chicago Fire II at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J., on Oct. 26, 2025. Photo by Claire Johnson.
Under the cool October air at MSU Soccer Park, New York Red Bulls II defeated Chicago Fire II in a 5–3 extra-time win that sent them to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final. New York’s early energy set the tone, with Andy Rojas scoring in the fifth minute before Chicago’s Jason Shokalook quickly leveled. The first half unfolded in waves—Roald Mitchell and Jair Collahuazo added goals for the hosts, while Shokalook’s second strike kept Chicago within reach as New York took a 3–2 lead into halftime.
Roald Mitchell celebrating after he scores for Red Bulls II at MSU Soccer Park on October 26, 2025. Photo by Claire Johnson.
Jair Collahuazo celebrates after scoring a header before halftime for Red Bulls II at MSU Soccer Park on October 25, 2025. Photo by Claire Johnson.
Chicago equalized again early in the second half through Sam Williams, forcing extra time after both teams ran through their substitutions in search of control. In the 111th minute, Rojas broke the stalemate, slipping past his marker to finish off a feed from Rafael Mosquera. Rojas added another in stoppage time to complete his brace and settle the contest, capping a match defined less by defensive structure than by endurance and opportunism.
Andy Rojas dribbling the ball vs Chicago Fire II at MSU Soccer Park on October 25, 2025. Photo by Claire Johnson.
In the final moments of extra time, Julian Jimenez delivered the strike that ended any doubt about the result. With Chicago pressing high in desperation, Jimenez intercepted a loose pass near midfield, drove into open space, and placed a composed finish into the far corner in the 120th + 2’ minute. The goal punctuated a relentless performance from Red Bulls II and turned a tense playoff match into a definitive statement of control, as players and fans at MSU Soccer Park erupted in celebration knowing the semifinal was finally secure.
Jimenez celebrates with his jersey off after scoring the final goal vs Chicago Fire II at MSU Soccer Park on October 26, 2025. Photo by Claire Johnson.
The win extends Red Bulls II’s unbeaten run at home and highlights their ability to turn tense playoff moments into decisive attacks. For Chicago, the loss closes a season that showed flashes of attacking promise but left questions about composure under pressure. For New York, another test awaits in the Eastern Conference Final—this time with the confidence of a team that’s found ways to win when the match refuses to slow down.