Defending MLS NEXT Pro champions Red Bull New York II will begin their playoff title defense against Huntsville City FC on Sunday evening.
A 2-1 Decision Day home defeat to Huntsville City saw the Baby Bulls drop from third place to eighth place, setting up an intriguing play-in game rematch at MSU Soccer Park.
Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert is demanding that his players stop conceding “cheap goals,” which contributed to their September 20 Decision Day defeat.
“When you see them not getting executed in the right way, that’s what I mean with cheap, because someone is just falling asleep or not active enough or not following our principles,” Wohlert explained.
After weeks of preparation, Wohlert is confident that Red Bull II will raise their focus and execution on Sunday in a win-or-go-home elimination game.
“I’m really positive that the guys are ready for Sunday,” Wohlert stated.
Red Bull New York II finished 7-5-2 at home during the regular season.
Christian Gallagher Expects Strong Playoff Atmosphere
Red Bull New York II forward Christian Gallagher said that the mood has been positive in training leading up to Sunday’s contest and he’s expecting a rollicking atmosphere at MSU Soccer Park.
“The environment’s been good,” Gallagher said. “Everybody’s positive. The group’s positive. So there’s a good vibe throughout the whole team.
“I’m expecting a good atmosphere. I think the atmosphere for this game is going to be huge and a big part of it.”
Gallagher scored nine goals and registered two assists in 19 MLS NEXT Pro regular-season games in 2026.
Sunday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Eastern Time and will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com and OneFootball.
The winner of Sunday’s contest will advance to face No. 1-seeded Crown Legacy FC in the Conference Quarterfinals on October 18 at Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff for the quarterfinal matchup in Matthews, North Carolina, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
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