New York Red Bulls II, home to Ugandan stars Ibrahim Kasule “Baba” and Steven Sserwadda, have been crowned 2025 MLS NEXT Pro champions after a thrilling 3-3 draw and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Colorado Rapids 2 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Colorado Rapids 2 drew first blood through Mamadou Billo Diop and James Cameron, storming to a 2-0 lead inside the opening half.
But Red Bulls II refused to bow. Spurred on by a passionate home crowd, Rafael Mosquera and Roald Mitchell scored in quick succession to level matters, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
The drama intensified in the second half when substitute Antony García restored Rapids 2’s lead in the 71st minute.
Yet the hosts hit back immediately—Mosquera held his nerve from the penalty spot to complete his brace and drag the game into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the championship was left to be decided by penalties.
In the shootout, Nate Worth, Mijahir Jiménez, and Andy Rojas converted confidently before goalkeeper Austin Causey emerged the hero, saving one kick as another struck the post to seal the title.
For Kasule and Sserwadda, the victory capped an exceptional season of creativity and consistency, both instrumental in shaping the team’s attacking rhythm and dynamic play throughout the campaign.
