2015 New York Red Bulls Report Card: Sal Zizzo

Sal Zizzo is still a player that is finding himself in the team. His original position was a winger and he did fairly well in that role while playing in Hanover’s reserve team. Upon arrival to MLS, he reaffirmed that role with Chivas USA, Portland Timbers, and Sporting Kansas City. After a nice deal where the New York Red Bulls received him on permanent transfer from New York City FC in exchange for a 1 year loan for Ryan Meara. He continued to play some games on the wing, but was ultimately converted to a fullback once Chris Duvall was out for the season with an injury and Connor Lade just could not step up to the plate.

Player Stats:

26 Appearances

14 Games Started

1392 Minutes Played

0 Goals

2 Assists

Player Grade: B

Things done well:

His pace really helped out the team as some players seemed to have been gassed. Although his play suffered when he was on the attack, many critical plays came from the back where he was able to keep some of the strikers of the opposition at bay. His crosses also weren’t always terribly overshot, so it is nice to see a fullback actually do decently when they are asked to press upwards.

Things done poorly:

He was not always the most effective player. It is tough to pick out any distinguishable moment where he had not just shocked the crowd, but had everyone nod there heads and point to him saying, "that could be the man of the match right there." It would not surprise me that once Duvall returns that, despite his long injury, would be able to find form and reclaim his position at right back.