Report: RBNY stages college combine

It is expected that the New York Red Bulls will announce some signings this week: specifically, as many as four Homegrown Players. As noted, the club's stated and rumored transfer plans could fill the MLS roster, and the anticipated influx of academy graduates - when and if confirmed - will narrow the available space in the squad significantly.

But there is a second team to fill with players: NYRB II, the club's USL side. Per a report from BigAppleSoccer.com, the Red Bulls spent the last weekend before Christmas staging a mini-combine. Kristian Dyer reports "several dozen" players were assembled, with RBNY sporting director Ali Curtis and head coach Jesse Marsch gathered to watch.

Dyer was able to identify 16 of those in attendance - find his list here.

It is a mixed bag of prospects. Scott Thomsen, a longstanding member of RBNY's development pipeline, is perhaps the name of greatest significance. He is a left back whose name is well known to those who track the Red Bulls' academy and college players.

The Rider University players announced as invitees to trial with the Red Bulls about a week ago- Sonimi Halliday and Florian Valot - were also present. As were a few players expected to be available in the MLS SuperDraft, such as Hadji Barry and Mitchell Taintor.

All told, the list of players published by BigAppleSoccer.com shows RBNY to be looking at a broad range of prospects, some of whom could be drafted in the new year, and some of whom might simply be available to sign without the assistance of MLS. The Red Bulls have a reserve team to staff for next season, and this event looks a lot like its focus might have been on identifying players for NYRB II.