A few weeks ago, Joshua Hargett highlighted how Anthony Wallace's contributions to the first team are another indicator that USL reserve squad New York Red Bulls II is working. Since that post was written, he's risen even higher.

The third-string left back has started four of the MLS squad's last six matches and has scored two goals during that period. Against Toronto FC he blasted in the second goal of the match which killed off any hopes of a comeback by the Canadian visitors.

One has to wonder if he's confident enough to take that shot without the match experience provided by New York Red Bulls II. Here's his thunderous, game-winning blast from their May 3rd victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

This is possibly the most overlooked aspect of the USL reserve team. Development of the club's younger players and identification of previously undiscovered talent are both great, but its hidden strength is the revival of mid-career castoffs. Much like Robbie Rogers was able to refocus at LA Galaxy II and become one of the league's most dominant left backs, Wallace was able to get settled in USL and become a solid fullback for the Red Bulls.

If you don't remember, Wallace was signed as emergency depth for an early season match against the Columbus Crew. He put in an unspectacular shift and was then seemingly banished to New York Red Bulls II. He played seven matches in the USL before getting another shot with the senior team. And he's taking advantage of the opportunity, going from a NASL castoff to surpassing Costa Rican international Roy Miller on the depth chart. Would he be playing as well without the professional match experience provided by the reserve squad?

Here's what Wallace had to say a month ago about New York Red Bulls II:

"It keeps me sharp. It keeps me tuned in. It keeps me fit, most importantly. It keeps me at a high level for whenever I’m able to step in for the first team."

And that high level of play was on display last night.

The now defunct MLS Reserve League was, frankly, a joke. Players didn't benefit from the sporadically scheduled matches and inconsistent rosters. Countless generations of potential MLS talent were lost because the young and mid-career players on the back of the rosters weren't getting playing time and developing. Now that's changed for the organizations willing to invest in a lower league team.

I'm not one for hyperbole, so give me the benefit of the doubt on the following statement. Establishing a USL reserve squad is the most important step forward in the history of the New York Red Bulls and it will continue to pay short-term and long-term dividends for as long as it exists.

Congratulations to Anthony Wallace for scoring a great goal last night and thank you to Red Bull for eventually deciding to establish a USL team.