Football Season Guide

Last year proved to be a routine campaign for New York Red Bulls who finished top of the pile in the Eastern Conference but once again failed to progress past the Conference Semifinals stage in the playoffs despite a change in management midway through the campaign. It was more of a grit than flair for the Red Bulls under Chris Armas, who took over from Jesse Marsch in the summer but the results and consistency improved enough to ensure a second Supporters' Shield title in four years. Armas will be looking for more convincing performances this time around and has managed to hold on to almost all of his key players during the off-season. The Red Bulls have been handed a blow though as one of their most consistent players,Tyler Adams, was sold to RB Leipzig. The departure of Tommy Redding and Aurelien Collin does weaken the depth in the defense somewhat though New York have looked to correct it by bringing in Amro Tarek. Mathias Jorgensen has been their biggest acquisition in the summer and the attacker is expected to provide reliable cover to Bradley Wright-Phillips. The Red Bulls have looked inwards for replacing Adams, with Marc Rzatkowski expected to be the first choice alongside Sean Davis in the midfield though it leaves them banking on their young backup options coming good, should the first choice duo suffer any injury setback The Red Bull had the best defensive record last season but their biggest strength continues to be an excellent offense that includes Kaku and Daniel Royer providing support to Wright-Phillips. Alex Muyl is expected to be the first choice on the right flank but that spot is open with the young midfielder yet to put up good displays on a consistent basis.