MLS stock report and preview: Eastern Conference
New York Red Bulls — 71 pts
Stock Down
Key Additions: F M.Jorgensen, M M.Epps, D A.Tarek
Key Losses: M T.Adams
The New York Red Bulls set a record for the most points in a season in 2018, beating Toronto’s figure from 2017. Despite securing the Supporters’ Shield, the Red Bulls failed to win MLS Cup, which, in traditional American sports fashion, is treated as the grander reward.
The Red Bulls were downright stingy on defense. They allowed just 33 goals all year. That is less than one goal per match. But there have been some key losses. This offseason, New York sold their most important player, Tyler Adams, to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. Adams is one of the hardest players to replace in MLS. His range and work rate are unmatched.
The Red Bulls will call upon Cristian Casseres Jr. to take Adams’ spot in the lineup. The 19-year-old is undoubtedly talented and has been in the Red Bulls’ system for a year now, preparing to be in this position. However, it may prove difficult to replace Adams just like that. Marc Rzatkowski is another option in midfield. He is not a holding midfielder, though, and the Red Bulls would have to tweak their formation to insert him into the line-up.
The Red Bulls have not made a significant signing this offseason. Amro Tarek is a good third center-back but will not challenge Aaron Long or Tim Parker. Marcus Epps is a solid winger and is a nice rotation piece, but nothing more. Mathias Jorgensen is a bit of an enigma. He is an 18-year-old out of Denmark. The Red Bulls signed him for a reported $2.5 million, although apparently they used Targeted Allocation Money, rather than making him a Designated Player. Jorgensen will see some minutes this year, but he will not start in New York’s 4-2-3-1 with Bradley Wright-Phillips in front of him.
The strong back line remains intact. Kemar Lawrence, Long, Tim Parker, and Michael Murilllo are all plus players at their respective positions. Long was recently signed to an extension. He and Parker are now both locked up long-term. Murillo and Lawrence could be sold at any time, which is something to watch this summer.
The midfield should still be a strength for New York as well. Sean Davis is one of the most underrated players in MLS and will be a holding midfielder in either a single or double pivot. Kaku, Daniel Royer, and Adam Muyl will once again make up the line of attackers for the Red Bulls. They will be joined by Florian Valot and Vincent Bezecourt who return from injury. Valot looked ready to breakout before suffering an ACL injury last season.
The Red Bulls still have a lot of talent and depth everywhere. They have a clear game plan and style that is reinforced at every level within the organization. They will have another successful season in 2019, and be one of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, after a record-setting season in 2018, there is no where for them to go but down, particularly since they suffered the substantial loss of Tyler Adams.
Projected Eastern Conference Standings:
- Atlanta United
- New York Red Bulls
- D.C. United
- New York City FC
- New England Revolution
- Columbus Crew
- Philadelphia Union
- Toronto FC
- Orlando City SC
- Montreal Impact
- Chicago Fire
- FC Cincinnati