Red Bull News Network

(photo by Matt Kremkau) Former New York Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas is linked with the vacant position with Toronto FC according to MLS Soccer's website . Both teams parted with their head coaches at different points this year with New York already having a replacement start during the MLS Cup Playoffs. Armas assisted in guiding the Red Bulls to one of the most successful campaigns in league history in 2018. The Bronx-native won the Supporters Shield but failed to continue New York's momentum as they were eliminated from both the 2018 and 2019 playoffs. Armas' time with New York came to an end after a rocky start to the 2020 season which saw the club exit the MLS is Back tournament in the group stage. Toronto FC would be a significant change for Armas. The former MLS Cup champions are known for their high spending and even higher profile talent. The team currently has the league MVP in Alejandro Pozuelo as well as American national team stars Jozy Altidore and Michael

(photo by Matt Kremkau) FC Cincinnati have added former New York Red Bulls winger Ben Mines to their roster after picking the player in the MLS Waiver Draft. The homegrown player who came through the ranks of the USL Championship club New York Red Bulls II, only made six appearances with the first team and scored two goals over that stretch. The 20-year-old American signed his MLS contract in 2018 but only played in 262 total minutes. He played under three different coaches, Jesse Marsch, Chris Armas and Bradley Carnell but couldn't impress to make a more dramatic stand in the starting lineup.  New York decided to decline his option after the 2020 season, leaving him to enter the Waiver Draft which is where Cincinnati picked him up. Mines isn't the only player from New York to join the Ohio-based club. They also added wing back Ronald Matarrita from NYCFC as they hope to become a more competitive team in the coming years.

(photo by Matt Kremkau) Major League Soccer has utilized a clause referred to as the majeure clause that will cancel the modifications made to the most recent collective bargaining agreement with the MLS Players Association. This will trigger a re-negotiation period that could conclude with the full cancellation of the agreement if a new one isn't reached by June. "Unfortunately, based on the assessment of public health officials, it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions on attendance at sporting events will continue into the 2021 season," said deputy commissioner Mark Abbott. "We recognize the impact that the pandemic has had on our players and appreciate their efforts to restart and complete the 2020 season, but, like the other leagues in the United States and Canada, MLS needs to address the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and will engage in good-faith discussions with our players about ways to manage the significant economic issues w

(photo by Matt Kremkau) New York Red Bulls have acquired a third-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft from Inter Miami FC in exchange for the rights to defender Patrick Seagrist. New York will receive an additional $50,000 in General Allocation Money in certain performance metrics are hit during the 2021 season. “Everyone at the club thanks Patrick for his efforts, he handled himself well while adjusting to life as a professional, and we wish him good luck in the next stage of his career,” said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. Seagrist was originally drafted by the Red Bulls in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft out of Marquette University. The Barrington, Illinois native appeared in three games during his rookie season. New York declined an option on Seagrist following the conclusion of the 2020 season. THE BOTTOM LINE: Remember how the Red Bulls traded up in the first round to get him? Then you dump him for a third-round a year later. Looks silly at first glance until you see how Thelwell shrewdl

Before New York was all-in on the youth movement and before the exodus of superstar Thierry Henry, the Red Bulls were interested in bringing another legend into the fold. That legend was Brazilian attacker and global superstar Ronaldinho. The former Barcelona and AC Milan star was a target that could have shifted the balance of power in Major League Soccer but alas, it wasn't to be. The story from El Futbolero USA details how negotiations with the Brazilian star took a turn for the ridiculous when demands became more so about lifestyle than money or sporting interest.  It was a different time for New York who were seeming linked to every big name around the world. The team had the likes of Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Rafa Marquez and Juninho. The idea of a youth moment was the furthest thing from their minds, so signing a player like Ronaldinho seemed a solid move for the club. Known for his lavish lifestyle, Ronaldinho had developed a reputation with being a known purveyor of the

(Photo by Matt Kremkau) Red Bulls midfielder Jared Stroud was selected in the second round of the MLS Expansion Draft.  The Red Bulls were among the ten teams that presented a list of unprotected players available for selection. Per draft rules, no MLS club can lose more than one player in the draft. The Red Bulls will receive $50,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for Stroud. Jared Stroud graduated from RBNY II to earn an MLS contract last year. He made 20 appearances (11 starts) in his first season with the Red Bulls. He made his MLS debut against Atlanta United on July 11 in the MLS is Back Tournament and tallied his first MLS start against New York City FC in a 1-0 win on August 20. Stroud recorded his first MLS assist against Inter Miami FC on October 7. "On behalf of everyone at the club, I’d like to thank Jared, who has worked hard to improve his game over the last few seasons with Red Bulls II," Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell said. "He earned an MLS contra

(photo by Matt Kremkau) The New York Red Bulls have released their protected players list and have left notable players available for selection by the incoming Austin FC on Tuesday night. The expansion draft allows for the incoming team to select from a group on unprotected players in order to build their roster ahead of the 2021 season. Protected Players include: Defenders:  Kyle Duncan, Tim Parker and Aaron Long Midfielders: Cristian Casseres Jr., Sean Davis, Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Florian Valot, Daniel Royer and Dru Yearwood Forwards:  Tom Barlow, Mathias Jorgensen and Brian White Homegrown Players:  John Tolkin, Caden Clark and Omir Fernandez This leaves notable names such as long-standing goalkeeper Ryan Meara, defender Amro Tarek and midfielder Jared Stroud available to Austin for selection. Whether they are selected will remain to be seen but the chances are that Meara, who has played his entire career in New York, could be bound for Texas. Players no longer with the club are

(photo by Matt Kremkau) The New York Red Bulls have bolstered their bench by signing NYRB II goalkeeper Luca Lewis to an MLS contract, the club announced today. Lewis signed with New York Red Bulls II back on September 22 after a full season with Torino FC Primavera in Italy. The last player the club signed from their USL side was midfielder Caden Clark, who scored three goals in eight matches played in his debut on the First Team. It seems that Luca's budding talents caught the eyes of both Kevin Thelwell and Head Coach Gerhard Struber. “We’re pleased to add Luca to the First Team,” said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. “He’s a good young talent with a range of experiences that have helped him develop his game physically and mentally. We like what we’ve seen from him in the last few months and think his game fits well with our style of play.” Lewis, a 19-year old from goalkeeper from Pesaro, Italy made three starts for NYRB II to conclude the 2020 USL Championship season. The New Yor

Dynamic Hungarian winger Dominik Szoboszlai has been rumored to make his transfer decision with the East German club RB Leipzig set to be the destination. The current Red Bull Salzburg winger has been much sought after by team such as AC Milan and Arsenal. However, Leipzig is now a destination following their win over Manchester United and current run in the Bundesliga that sees them contending with Bayern Munich for the title. The move will cost Leipzig upwards of 25 million Euros according to The Guardian . It will be one of the team's largest transfers but could pay off massively in the coming years if Szoboszlai continues to evolve on the field. Currently only 20 years old, the Hungarian has proven to be a force in the Austrian Bundesliga and helped Salzburg retain their title last season. He has scored 16 goals in 54 total games and become an indispensable part of manager Jesse Marsch's team selection.  The biggest news for Leipzig is that they were able to beat out bigger

RB Leipzig have taken the next step after a 3-2 win that took them to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The once small club that appeared to be grooming players for the bigger clubs has now become a destination for players looking to solidify their position in Europe.  "You really don't take that for granted as a young club like RB Leipzig," said manager Julian Nagelsmann after their advancement. "We full deserve to progress to the knockouts and that's in a difficult group with top opponents." Leipzig's road was quite treacherous with games against not just Manchester United but also Paris St. Germain. Along the way the team grabbed wins against both sides and proved to be an annual visitor to the next stage against the major clubs on the continent.  All of this comes after the team lost their top striker Timo Werner. Despite this loss, Nagelsmann and crew have used more sources for goals and found the kind of success that could see them comp

(photo by Matt Kremkau) New York Red Bulls will reportedly be sending young striker Mathias Jorgensen to Denmark for experience with AGF Aarhus on loan for the 2020-21 season. The news comes from BT journalist Farzam Abolhosseini as the young striker has searched for minutes since joining the club back in 2019.  New news comes with the caveat that Jorgensen could make the move permanent after the spring loan-spell. The young Denmark international player joined New York as part of a youth moment. The move came at a high price with a 1.1 million dollar transfer fee but despite the money and hype, Jorgensen failed to score a goal in 13 appearances. His work with the USL side New York Red Bulls II was also underwhelming and the move could be away for both sides to come to an easy separation. This leaves New York with even fewer options at the striker position with only Brian White and Tom Barlow as options. Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell did speak about how he and new head coach Gerhard Str

Red Bull Salzburg grabbed an essential three points against Locomotiv Moscow earlier in the week with a 3-1 win that puts their fate in their own hands. Now, sitting on four points, they have the chance to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage with a win over Atletico Madrid next week.  While that may seem straight-forward, the obstacle in their way may as well be a mountain in a Madrid team that has been featured in the later stages of European competitions on a regular basis. Still, it is a proving ground moment for a Salzburg team that has impressed and frustrated at times over their two-year history in the Champions League. The game against Moscow showed just how impressive their youth production has become. Aside from shipping off talent such as Erling Haaland to bigger clubs, they have been able to replenish with players like Patson Daka and Mergim Berisha. The possibilities appear endless at the moment and manager Jesse Marsch is happy to guide the ship. "The boys

Alexander Sorloth picked a fantastic time to score his first goal for RB Leipzig as it helped bring the team to a three-way tie with Paris St. Germain and Manchester United at the top of their Champions League group. The win puts the power back into the East German club's hands as a win against Manchester United could see them finish atop the group. "It was a crazy result in the end," said manager Julian Nagelsmann. "Our first half performance was great. We defended well and had two huge chances in the opening minutes. We created more big chances and should have been comfortably ahead at half time." Unfortunately Leipzig was not comfortable at half time. Despite carrying a two-goal lead into stoppage time, a late effort from Irfan Kahveci left room for doubt. Leipzig responded well at the start of the second half and even took back the two-goal advantage with an strike from Dani Olmo in the 66th minute.  From there the balance of power shifted again with Kahveci

(photo by Matt Kremkau) The New York Red Bulls announced today end of year roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2020 season. The Red Bulls have exercised options on eight players and declined the options on five, with one player out of contract. An additional 14 players are already under contract for next season. The Red Bulls exercised options on defenders Kyle Duncan and Sean Nealis, midfielders Sean Davis, Kaku, Jared Stroud, Daniel Royer, and Florian Valot, as well as forward Tom Barlow. New York declined options on defender Patrick Seagrist, midfielders Chris Lema, Ben Mines, and Marc Rzatkowski. The club declined an option to purchase forward Samuel Tetteh. Goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh is out of a contract. “For our players departing, we’d like to thank them for their hard work and professionalism during their time with the club,” said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. “As we move forward into next season, we have a clear focus on recruiting players that fit our ph

(photo by Matt Kremkau) The New York Red Bulls II announced roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2020 USL Championship season. The club exercised options on two players and declined the options of ten players. NYRB II exercised the options of forwards Omar Sowe and Jake Lacava . New York declined the options of goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley , defenders Roy Boateng , Preston Kilwein , Edgardo Rito , and Joe Fala . Midfielders Deri Corfe , Cherif Dieye , Samad Bounthong , and Barry Sharifi , and forward Sebastian Elney . Midfielder Kyle Zajec and the club are currently in discussions over a new contract. “Making decisions this year was particularly difficult after such an unusual year and due to the depth of talent we had,” NYRB II Head Coach John Wolyniec said. “The club is especially grateful to the players’ efforts in tough times and we wish them success going forward in their careers.” NYRB II missed out on the playoffs for the 2020 season and finished with a 5-11-0 record.