Red Bulls II and Academy

NYRB II Roundup: International callups and PDL lineups

In this week's edition of your favorite combination of lower league soccer news and unnecessary puppy puns we have international callups, college awards, and a loss to report.

By Jake_Evans@JEvans137 May 5, 2016, 2:18pm EDT

Erik Sa wins the Richard Ferraro Award

In Rutgers soccer's end of season award, New York Red Bulls Academy graduate Erik Sa came out with an award. The award, established in memory of Richard Ferraro, "is given to the player who was most inspirational to the team's success and demonstrated the dedication, spirit and values of the Rutgers soccer program."
Sa played all 21 of Rutgers' games last year, starting all but one. He tallied two goals and five assists for the Scarlet Knights as a key piece of their midfield. He's also just an all around great guy, according to sources.

An update on RBNY graduates in the USL (/other lower American leagues)

Bolu Akinyode- Longtime NYRB Academy player, former NYRBII player. The defensive midfielder is currently with Bethlehem Steel, playing in 5 of their 6 games so far this year.

Franklin Castellanos- Academy player went on to play for NYRBII last year scoring 3 goals in 16 games. Now with New York Cosmos B in the NPSL.

Mael Corboz- Part of this offseason's homegrown signing binge, Corboz was cut before the start of the season. He walked away from a contract offer with NYRBII but he has landed on his feet, becoming a key part of the Wilmington Hammerheads midfield.

Matt Kassel- One of the earlier New York Red Bulls homegrown players, Matt Kassel has now retired from soccer. However, he is still in the game, currently on commentary for Bethlehem Steel, the Philadelphia Union's affiliate.

Antonio Matarrazo- The Red Bulls Academy player was drafted out of Columbia by Orlando in this year's Super Draft. He signed with Orlando City B, but has yet to play with them.

Chris Thorsheim surfaces. Kinda

Since being cut from the New York Red Bulls, Chris Thorsheim has kind of disappeared off the face of the Earth. Understandable, it's a big change and a big next step for him, whatever it may be. However, he recently resurfaced at Bucknell's Senior Recognition Awards. Here he won the Bradley N. Tufts Award for, "exceptional athletic achievement and contribution to Bucknell athletics." Congratulations Chris, hope to see you back in a Red Bulls jersey real soon.

No NYRBII players named in the USL Team of the Week

For the first time in over five weeks, no New York Red Bulls II player has been named to the USL Team of the Week. New York's subpar showing in their loss to Charlotte was not enough for any player to earn a nomination. In a "team" that exists largely to give every team in USL recognition instead of highlighting all the best players of the weekend, it is saying something that none of New York's players did not even make the bench. Understandable and, unfortunately, completely deserved.

New York Red Bulls II is first and foremost a reserve team and that's important to remember.

NYRBII's first loss of the season saw the team feature nine first team loanee's, including a very rusty Gideon Baah. This team's lack of cohesion and Baah's rust was directly responsible for the two goals the team gave up. That's okay. The goal first and foremost of this team isn't to win championships, however, that would be a nice bonus; the goal of NYRB II is to make the first team better. If these mistakes and losses lead to first team wins, then that's a net gain, and meeting the primary purpose of RBNY's venture into USL.