Dennis Nelich netted a hat trick to propel Red Bull New York II to a 5-0 home victory over Philadelphia Union II on Sunday.
Remarkably, the Baby Bulls have now scored 10 unanswered goals across back-to-back matches, both of which were played in front of home fans at MSU Soccer Park.
Red Bull New York II previously earned a 5-0 victory against Toronto FC II on June 21 and scored the final goal in a 2-1 defeat to New England Revolution II on June 14, meaning that they’ve scored 11 unanswered goals over their past three contests.
“I think that’s the character from our group that we don’t stop, and we stay committed to the game, and we don’t care if it’s 2-0 or 3-0, we want to go again,” Red Bull New York head coach Dominik Wohlert said during post-match availability.
“We want to express ourselves in the right way, and big, big compliment to the guys, because to do it back-to-back is something special.”
Defending Champions Continue To Climb MLS Next Pro Standings
Sunday’s result moved Red Bull II to third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings with 31 points and a plus-11 goal difference. Red Bull New York is a single point behind first-place Columbus Crew 2.
Nelich was the star man on an action-packed Sunday night and was named as the Adidas Player of the Match. It was his first career hat trick.
As noted on the broadcast, the promising winger became the second youngest player in the history of Red Bull II to score a hat trick in club history at 18 years and 117 days old. Previously, forward Mijahir Jiménez accomplished the feat at 18 years and 114 days old in the mini derby against NYCFC II on July 20, 2025.
Nelich opened the scoring in the 35th minute when he went unmarked on the back post and capitalized on a feed sent across the box by substitute Sean Baitinger.
Baitinger had replaced defender Connor Faello, who was forced off in the 24th minute.
Dennis Gjengaar’s Creativity Unlocks Philadelphia Union II Defense
Nelich would score again in the 69th minute to double New York’s advantage when he was supplied by a brilliant through ball by Dennis Gjengaar.
Baitinger would find the net three minutes later in the 72nd minute to increase the lead to 3-0.
Gjengaar made a powerful run and held off pressure to find captain Nate Worth, who returned the ball to him with a fancy outside-of-the-boot pass. Baitinger found open space and slotted home Gjengaar’s delivery.
After Signing Professional Contract, Dennis Nelich Has Been Red-Hot For Baby Bulls
Nelich scored a remarkable volley in the 75th minute to complete his hat trick, but the scoring wasn’t finished. Paul Sokoloff added a fifth goal in the 91st minute, combining with Christian Gallagher, who supplied the primary assist with a lay off after Nelich drove a ball into the box.
It was quite the evening for Nelich, who recently signed his first professional contract on June 20. He has now recorded five goals and four assists through 15 MLS NEXT Pro regular-season matches this season.
“I think we’re one of the best teams in ball possession, and I can always rely on my teammates giving me good service,” Nelich explained. “So if I’m making the run, I know that nine times out of 10 I’m not going to get that ball, but the one time I will, I’ll be there, and I’ll score.”
UPDATE: 6/29: 2:35 P.M. EST — Nelich has been named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 17 for his efforts against Philadelphia Union II.
Red Bull II will next face 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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