Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert had a message for promising winger Dennis Nelich after the 18-year-old signed his first professional contract on June 20.
“That’s your first step — now the real work is basically going to start,” Wohlert said of his message to Nelich. “I think he responded really well to that, not just because of the goals. Obviously, three goals is outstanding, is fantastic.”
Honors Continue To Roll in for Red-Hot Nelich
Nelich scored his first career MLS NEXT Pro hat trick in Sunday’s 5-0 victory over Philadelphia Union II at MSU Soccer Park.
He became the second-youngest player in the history of Red Bull II to score a hat trick, at 18 years and 117 days old. Previously, forward Mijahir Jiménez accomplished the feat at 18 years and 114 days old against NYCFC II on July 20, 2025.
Nelich scooped the Adidas Player of the Match on Sunday, and he was named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 17 on Monday.
His five goals scored through 15 MLS NEXT Pro games lead the Baby Bulls. His four assists place him second among Red Bull II players alongside Jiménez. Winger Dennis Gjengaar leads the club with six assists.
Nelich’s All-Around Development Earns Praise From Wohlert
Wohlert has observed the progress from Nelich, and the 32-year-old head coach is equally impressed with his work rate as he is by the goals and assists that he contributes.
“The work rate in both directions, with the ball, against the ball — I think that’s something that is making his performances complete,” he explained. “It’s not always just about the goals, but even better when you can score and when you can have a big impact on our performance.
“I think the whole season for him is trending in the right direction. I think he was able to showcase himself multiple times already with that group, and he was able to put his skills out there. In some ways, that is also obviously the reward to earning the first contract.”
Red Bull New York II Riding Momentum Into FC Cincinnati Clash
Sunday was the second consecutive 5-0 victory for Red Bull New York II. The Baby Bulls previously defeated Toronto FC II 5-0 on June 21.
Red Bull II have risen to third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 31 points and a plus-11 goal difference.
Next up is a meeting with FC Cincinnati on July 5 at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Kick off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
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