Red Bull New York II Midfielder Dennis Nelich Named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 9
HARRISON, N.J. (May 6, 2026) – Red Bull New York II midfielder Dennis Nelich named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 9, the league announced today.
The 18-year-old scored the match-winning goal in New York’s 2-1 road victory over Philadelphia Union II on Sunday afternoon. After substitute midfielder Benjamin Rodriguez played a wide through ball to midfielder Dennis Gjengaar, the Norwegian played across far post to Nelich to seal three important points away from home.
This was Nelich’s second consecutive match with a goal after scoring in the Red Bulls’ 4-1 home victory against Columbus Crew 2 on April 26.
The midfielder also won the award during Matchweek 27 of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
Nelich and company will be back in action on May 8 as they travel to York Lions Stadium to take on Toronto FC II on Friday, May 8. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. ET with coverage available on OneFootball and MLSNEXTPro.com.
