Red Bulls Announce USL PRO Team
Published on January 21, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - USL PRO concluded its off-season of unprecedented growth with the announcement today that the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer will place a team in the league for the 2015 season. The Red Bulls become the eighth MLS-owned and operated team in USL PRO, which will feature 24 teams in 2015 - including 13 expansion squads.
The complete USL PRO alignment and schedule for the 2015 season will be announced in the coming days.
"With the addition of 13 new teams - seven owned by MLS clubs - USL PRO has entered an groundbreaking phase of its existence by creating exciting rivalries for fans and an attractive economic model for owners," USL CEO Alec Papadakis said. "The addition of the New York Red Bulls fills a void in our regional competition model, and we are excited to see the performance of the Red Bulls - on and off the field - with the leadership of new Sporting Director Ali Curtis."
New York follows the Montreal Impact (FC Montreal), Portland Timbers (Portland Timbers 2), Real Salt Lake (Real Monarchs SLC), Seattle Sounders FC (Seattle Sounders FC 2), Toronto FC (name TBA) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Whitecaps FC 2) in placing teams in USL PRO for 2015. The LA Galaxy II will compete in their second season in 2015 after a highly successful 2014 debut.
New York's USL PRO team will train out of the club's training facility in Hanover, New Jersey. Additional information regarding team name, coaching staff, venue for home matches and tickets will be released at a later date.
"We are proud about this important moment in the history of our organization," Curtis said. "This platform will integrate coaches, players and staff at all levels from the Academy, USL PRO and First Team as we are excited to start competing at the USL PRO level this season. We are extremely committed to excellence as a club, investing in all areas of player development and providing a pathway such that our sporting operations have a more efficient opportunity to align tactically, technically and philosophically."
One of Major League Soccer's original clubs, the New York Red Bulls claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2013 and reached the MLS Cup Final in 2008. A playoff side in 11 of the past 12 seasons, the club has been the home of many illustrious names in U.S. soccer history, including Tab Ramos, Tony Meola, Claudio Reyna and former Super Y League standout Jozy Altidore. The club has also featured numerous international stars, such as Thierry Henry, and in 2014 saw Bradley Wright-Philips tie the MLS single-season record for goals with 27.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 21, 2015
- T2 Announces 2015 Tryout Details - Portland Timbers 2
- Roughnecks to Play in Western Conference of USL PRO - FC Tulsa
- Louisville City FC Placed in Eastern Conference - Louisville City FC
- Expanded & Realigned USL PRO Unveils 2015 Competition Format - USL
- Louisville City FC Signs Conor Shanosky - Louisville City FC
- Aztex Sign USL PRO Veteran Kyle Hoffer - Austin Aztex
- Jimmy Turner Returns for 2015 USL PRO Season - Orange County SC
- Toronto FC Announces USL PRO Team, Toronto FC II - Toronto FC II
- Austin Aztex Partner with Lonestar SC on USSF Development Academy Level - Austin Aztex
- New York Red Bulls Announce USL PRO Franchise - FC New York
- Red Bulls Announce USL PRO Team - USL
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