A look at players who are new to NYRBII

Who signed USL contracts?

By Lester Townsend Mar 28, 2015, 9:00am EDT

Along with the Academy players and the loaned players from the MLS squad, there are the New York Red Bulls II players signed to USL contracts. Let's meet them.

Rafael Diaz

Diaz is a keeper who last played with Orlando City in USL. The Rockaway, New Jersey native was a standout keeper at St. John's and won numerous accolades. He spent preseason with the senior club in Florida. Born in the Dominican Republic, Diaz spent time with U.S. youth national teams.

Tyler Adams

Adams was the first player signed to New York Red Bulls II and is considered a top player in his age group. He played every match in the U.S U-17's run through the CONCACAF Championship to qualify for the U-17 World Cup. The defender was with the national team at Bradenton, but left after signing.

Michael da Fonte

The 23 year old right back played his collegiate ball at Bryant University and Longwood University. After college and PDL with the Westchester Flames, he moved overseas and played in Portugal with SC Espinho, Pedras Salgadas, and GD Chaves. He spent preseason camp with D.C. United (boo!) in 2012.

Franklin Castellanos

The left footed winger played in college with Iona and was a member of the 2014 NPSL Champion Red Bulls U-23s. He spent some time with the Red Bulls Academy and was named Conference Player of the Year in 2013. Castellanos has been described as a strong athlete with an explosive first step who can provide great service.

Alexander Clay

The attacking midfielder played his college soccer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His senior year he tallied 7 goals and 7 assists.

Colin Heffron

Heffron, a left winger from Dartmouth, finished his injury shortened senior year with 3 goals and 1 assist. Heffron trained with the club during the preseason.

Victor Manosalvas

The former Academy player spent his collegiate career at Seton Hall. Manosalvas, a midfielder, starred for the NPSL champion Red Bulls U-23s and won NPSL Player of the Year and the Golden Boot in 2014. During his senior season, he scored 6 goals and added 3 assists.

Dan Metzger

Metzger, a Holmdel, New Jersey native, is a defensive midfielder who spent his youth career with the Red Bulls Academy and went to college at the University of Maryland. He was named first team All-Big Ten and was drafted by D.C. United. Currently, he is playing with the U-23 National Team. After making the effort to shed his Homegrown tag, he is back with the Red Bulls and fans couldn't be more excited. Metzger gets stuck in on defense and can shoot from defense.

Konrad Plewa

A Polish midfielder from Seton Hall, Plewa started 16 matches his senior year for the Pirates. Plewa spent time with the Red Bulls Academy.

James Thomas

Thomas played at St. John's from 2010-2013 as a midfielder. He assisted on two goals his senior season.

Chris Tsonis

Tsonis is a striker who played his college ball at Southern New Hampshire University. The soon-to-be-24 year old played in the PDL with Ventura County Fusion and Seacoast United Phantoms. Most recently he was in Iceland with UMF Tindastoll and Fjolnir. In addition to striker, Tsonis can play left wing and has scored in bunches at every level of competition so far.