Red Bull News Network

photo from New York Red Bulls II Despite a need for forward options, the New York Red Bulls have sent rising forward Omar Sowe to the Icelandic league with Breidablik for the 2022 MLS season. The announcement comes after speculation of the move circulated the internet and talk between critics about New York's need to solidify the forward position after continued struggles by Patryk Klimala. Sowe, a Gambian international player, led New York Red Bulls II in goals in 2021 with eight and made one MLS appearance after signing a first team contract in the middle of that year. In total, Sowe played in 47 games for Red Bulls II and scored 17 goals over that window. His improved form was notable with his inclusion into the first team, which makes the move all that much more shocking. "We want to see Omar get minutes and grow professionally at a top division," said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett.  A "top division" is certainly not what Sowe will be entering. While there...

photo by Matt Kremkau HARRISON, NJ - In a match that was expected to be a high-octane offensive display was bogged down to two teams taking full advantage of very uncharismatic mistakes down the stretch as the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew SC battled to a sloppy yet dramatic 1-1 draw that was decided on Darlington Nagbe's equalizer in the 95th minute.  The New York Red Bulls were looking for three points at home after being held scoreless by Dayne St. Clair and Minnesota United, 1-0 in the home opener last week. Meanwhile, the Crew wanted to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches after dispatching Toronto FC, 4-1 in Columbus.  Other than a shot by US international Aaron Long that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar, there was not much to report in the first half, but the second half of the match was punctuated with some missed chances by both sides and players simply not on the same page as the match began to open up.  Chief among those missed chances was Gya...

photo from New York Red Bulls II MONTCLAIR, NJ - Tyler Freeman scored a brace, and Jacob Green added another as Loudoun United came in and effectively spoiled the home opener for the New York Red Bulls II, 3-0 at MSU Soccer Park Saturday afternoon. Unlike the torrential downpour that the team had to endure in Atlanta , this time around, the weather was much more cooperative, albeit under overcast skies in Northern New Jersey. The Red Bulls II started the match on the right foot early on, but was quickly reduced to 10 men after Christopher Craigwell was sent off with red card after a very reckless tackle to Jackson Hopkins in the 26th minute.  Despite losing an outfield player for the second straight match, the hosts had a golden chance just 10 minutes later when Sam Williams intercepted a pass and immediately forund John Murphy, who flicked the ball over to Jordan Abadayo-Smith for a low finished that was keenly blocked by Loudoun United goalkeeper Luis Zamudio. But it would be the...

photo from New York Red Bulls II Playing their second match within a week, the New York Red Bulls II traveled north to Fifth Third Bank Stadium to face Atlanta United 2, who was also looking for a win in their home opener after losing to Louisville City back on Saturday.  New York Red Bulls II had a chance to get on the scoreboard first as forward, and team captain John Murphy took a pass from Samuel Williams, and he let off a shot that slammed off the post in the 17th minute.  With heavy rain conditions not quite ideal, players were slipping and sliding all over the pitch. Atlanta Defender Aiden McFadden was given a straight red card after a rough tackle to Juan Castillio in the 19th minute, reducing the home side's numbers to ten men. Murphy had another opportunity to redeem himself from the earlier missed opportunity in the 27th minute, but Atlanta goalkeeper Justin Garces was there to deny him this time around, making huge saves in back-to-back fashion, keeping the match s...

photo by Matt Kremkau HARRISON, NJ -  As home openers go, this one will not be remembered fondly among the fans. One goal from Luis Amarilla and Dayne St. Clair did the rest, keeping an impressive clean sheet, spoiling the Red Bulls' home opener Sunday night at Red Bull Arena. Forward Patryk Klimala had a golden opportunity just 14 minutes in the match when referee Lukasz Szpala pointed to the penalty spot following a Video Review check that found Minnesota midfielder Hassani Dotson guilty of a handball.  But instead of capitalizing on that opportunity, St. Clair was there to deny Klimala from 12 yards out - setting the tempo for the rest of the match. That failed conversion would prove costly for the Red Bulls because just six minutes into the second half, off a brilliant cross by Dotson, Amarilla sent a stunning volley past New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, to put the visitors ahead. New York would continue to press for the equalizer but was frustrated by St. Clair putting...

photo from New York Red Bulls II New York Red Bulls II start the 2022 with a loss in Miami to a Miami FC team that showed their experience and class to be a level above Gary Lewis' young team. A goal in both halves, first from Josh Perez and then from Mark Segbers, made sure that New York went back to the drawing room in search of new tactics. New York started the game with a few questions. One was the decision to start defender Jason Pendant in an offensive position. Positionally the team was able to hold possession at times but were picked apart with better passing in the final third.  The first example came in the 11th minute when a series of passes saw Segbers open long enough to send a dangerous cross in front of goal. Perez dove with a header to put it past AJ Marcucci for the opening goal.  New York showed little in response with a total of 8 shots in the game and only one on goal. By contrast, Miami 5 on target, one being the second goal in the 73rd minute. Segbers cap...

photo by Anthony J. Merced The end of the career from an English Scoring Machine whose famous father graced the pitch at Highbury, and his brother who was a member of the English National Team, has finally called it quits on a blooming late MLS career as Bradley Wright-Phillips says goodbye to the game. “I’m done. Thank you to all of the clubs that gave me the opportunity to represent the badge,” Wright-Phillips wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, fan bases for your support (ups and downs) but most of all thank you to my friends and family, especially my wife Leanne.” Coming over to play with Thierry Henry in 2013 on a trial, BWP was given a chance to show what he was made of, he scored his first MLS goal at BBVA Compass Stadium against the Houston Dynamo as well as his first playoff goal against the same side in the second leg of Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. But once the Calendar turned to 2014 Bradley went off on a scoring tangent that no one saw coming. H...

photo by New York Red Bulls Lewis Morgan with a hat trick, Aaron Long added one from a set-piece, Patryk Klimala with three assists, Frankie Amaya with two as the New York Red Bulls put on a clinical performance as they routed Toronto FC, 4-1. The schedule makers were not very kind to Gerhard Struber and his crew, starting with two consecutive road matches for the 2022 campaign. Still, after getting a win out in San Jose, the team was more than confident of keeping it rolling at the capital city of Ontario in front of a raucous crowd at BMO Field. With the Red Bulls without Cristian Casseres due to a hip flexor injury, coach Struber switched to a standard 4-4-2 formation. Defender Dylan Nealis was moved to a midfield position, and Tom Barlow scored a goal against San Jose last weekend, starting opposite Patryk Klimala.  The match began with a blistering pace as both teams sought out dictate terms. But in the 17th minute, the Red Bulls would be the ones on the scoreboard first thank...

New York Red Bulls II continue to deepen their roster, this time with the signing of former Union Omaha midfielder John Murphy. The 21 year-old is a former Red Bull Academy product and returning to the organization as a professional. "I'm excited to be here and come back home and play for Red Bulls II," said Murphy. "It's a place I called home a few years back. I can't wait to get the season started and I'm hoping for a good season with the group." Murphy played two games with New York Red Bulls II back in 2018 before moving to Loudoun on his first professional contract. From there he stepped onto the field for Union Omaha in USL League One, both teams saw just limited appearances for Murphy. His amateur experience took him through Clemson University as well as the U15, 16 and 17 levels of the US Youth National Team.  "John is someone I've known since his youth playing days," said Academy Director Sean McCafferty. "We are excited t...

New York Red Bulls II have signed MLS SuperDraft pick Giannis Nikopolidis to a USL Championship contract for the 2022 season. The 21 year-old goalkeeper has extensive experience in college and looks to translate that US Soccer's second division this season. "He is strong and has good quality in terms of his saves and playing ability," said new Red Bulls II head coach Gary Lewis. "He also has great leadership qualities and has come in and been a difference in that regard." Nikopolidis played four years for Georgetown University where he made 52 appearances. Over that time he made 156 saves with a team record of 39-10-3. He also was awarded the Big East Goalkeeper of the year twice and named United Soccer Coaches First Team All American in 2020. A native of Athens Greece, Nikopolidis has experience in the U20 Greek Super League and UEFA Youth League, making him incredibly well rounded for a player of his age. "Giannis is someone that impressed us during his c...