The New York Red Bulls II (14-5-4, 48 pts) topped Chicago Fire FC II (11-6-5, 41 pts) 1-0 on Sunday night at MSU Soccer Park.
The home side broke through the scoreless tie in the 65th minute off a set-piece. After being awarded a corner kick, Midfielder Nate Worth served in a ball that was headed in by defender Juan Gutierrez, making it 1-0.
Gutierrez scored his second goal of the season and fifth of his career. He is tied with O’Vonte Mullings for most career goals from a defender in club history.
With his start tonight, Gutierrez tied teammate Ibrahim Kasule for the fifth-most starts in club history (54).
Gutierrez moved past Jordan Scarlett for the third-most appearances by a defender in club history (62).
The Cerete, Columbia native surpassed A.J. Marcucci and entered the seventh-spot on career minutes played list in the 10th minute (4,708).
Worth tallied his first career MLS NEXT Pro assist in the match.
Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes tallied his sixth clean sheet of the season which is ranked tied with for second most in MLS NEXT Pro.
Defender Omar Valencia earned the start on Sunday night, his first MLS Next Pro appearance of the season.
Entering as a substitute in the 60th minute, Defender Juan Mina made his MLS NEXT Pro season debut.
With the victory, Red Bulls II became the first team in the Eastern Conference to clinch a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
New York earned their eighth win at home and is ranked tied St Louis City 2 for most wins in MLS NEXT Pro, and most home wins in the Eastern Conference.
With their 14th victory of the season, Red Bulls II is tied with the 2023 side for most wins in a single MLS NEXT Pro season in club history and tied for third-most win across all competitions in franchise history.
Following Sunday’s match, New York will return home to MSU Soccer Park to face Columbus Crew 2. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
