New York City II vs Philadelphia Union II Prediction & Betting Tips (26 July)

From the hum of subway trains to the roar of the crowd at Belson Stadium, New York City FC II embodies the pulse of the city in MLS Next Pro. As the developmental arm of NYCFC, this squad plays a vital role in shaping future stars within the third tier of American soccer. The team’s current roster features a blend of youthful promise and seasoned talent, including forwards like Sebastiano Musu and Dylan Thomas, midfielders such as Máximo Carrizo and Julien Lacher, and defenders like Christopher Tiao and Pierce Infuso. Goalkeepers Tomás Romero and Dylan McDermott anchor the back line, while emerging players like Peter Molinari and Uriel Zeitz add fresh energy to the attack. Under the guidance of head coach Matt Pilkington, NYCFC II continues to refine its identity, balancing competitive ambition with player development in a league designed to bridge the gap between academy and professional play.

From the quiet grind of training sessions to the electric moments on match day, Philadelphia Union II has been crafting a compelling narrative in MLS Next Pro. Head coach Ryan Richter has emerged as a steady and strategic leader, guiding the team through an impressive unbeaten streak and earning multiple Team of the Matchweek honors. His tactical flexibility and ability to integrate young talent have made Union II one of the most exciting sides in the league. The current roster is brimming with promise—Cavan Sullivan, just 15, continues to dazzle with his creativity and scoring touch, while Malik Jakupovic, Eddy Davis III, and Jamir Johnson bring firepower up front. In midfield, Nick Pariano and David Vazquez anchor the team with grit and vision, supported by emerging names like Kellan LeBlanc and Willyam Ferreira. The defense is held together by Isaiah LeFlore, Neil Pierre, and Rafael Uzcátegui, with Andrew Rick and Pierce Holbrook sharing duties between the posts. With Richter at the helm and a roster full of rising stars, Union II is not just developing players—they’re building a culture of resilience and ambition.

Chaos met composure when New York City II hosted Philadelphia Union II in a high-octane MLS Next Pro clash. The match opened with NYC II showing early promise, surging to a 3-1 lead in the first half through sharp counterattacks and clinical finishing from Taylor Calheira, Jonathan Jiménez, and Jonathan Shore. Their experience and tactical discipline seemed to overwhelm Union II’s youthful lineup. But just before halftime, a penalty converted by Nick Pariano shifted the momentum. That goal not only narrowed the deficit but also injected belief into a Union II side that had been on the back foot.

The second half was a showcase of resilience and tactical maturity from Philadelphia. Eddy Davis III capitalized on a defensive error to level the score, and then Frank Westfield’s towering header from a Cavan Sullivan free kick sealed a dramatic 4-3 comeback. Union II’s ability to adapt and respond under pressure highlighted the depth of their squad and the effectiveness of Ryan Richter’s coaching philosophy. With a string of dominant performances leading up to this match—including emphatic wins over Crown Legacy, Toronto FC II, and Columbus Crew 2—Philadelphia Union II reinforced their status as one of the most formidable teams in the league.

No spotlight needed—Philadelphia Union II has been letting their performances do the talking. Heading into the July 26 clash against New York City II, the prediction of a 3-1 away win feels less like speculation and more like a continuation of form. Union II has been ruthless in recent outings, stringing together dominant victories with a blend of attacking flair and defensive discipline. Their ability to control tempo and capitalize on chances has made them one of the most efficient sides in MLS Next Pro. Meanwhile, NYC II, despite flashes of brilliance, has struggled to maintain consistency, especially against high-pressure teams like Union II. With the visitors expected to dictate play and exploit defensive gaps, a 3-1 scoreline reflects both the momentum and the tactical edge Philadelphia brings into this matchup.