EXCLUSIVE: Ali Curtis on NYRB II - "Preparations have been going well"

Once a Metro has learned from New York Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis that NYRB II has been scrimmaging against the first team, and a full roster will be ready for its first match next week.

Curtis took the time to answer questions about the state of NYRB II, which announced its first player signing on Mar. 19.

On training preparations:

Preparations [for NYRB II] have been going very well. We’ve had a combine, a scrimmage against the first team and training has been at a high level.

On roster construction:

We expect to have a full roster [before the Rochester match] that will consist of NYRB II (USL) players, NYRB (MLS) players and 4-5 NYRB Academy players. Depending upon the situation, we will likely add a few players subsequent to the first game of the season

On which RBNY players will play in USL:

We met with a group of 12 MLS players this week regarding involvement with NYRB II at various points during the season. We articulated expectations as it pertains to the opportunity, training and development. This was done by myself, Jesse and John Wolnyiec.

On when more signings will come:

The announcement on the 1st NYRB II player was yesterday. We expect to have other NYRB II players signed by the end of the weekend and beginning of next week.

Emphasis added on the last answer. NYRB II will begin its inaugural USL season on Mar. 28 against the Rochester Rhinos at Red Bull Arena.