The Herd: Ouimette heading out, Orlando honored, and academy playoffs

Noah Powder makes a donation while continuing to star for T&T U20s

While on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago's U20 team, New York Red Bulls Academy and NYRBII player, Noah Powder decided to give back to his family's homeland. On behalf of his family, Noah presented children of the African Unity and Pride Football School of Enterprise with soccer balls and gear. Powder stated, "We wanted to contribute to a community that was sorta in a stump, some would say. So it was nice to give back".

Despite living in the New Jersey for the majority of his life and having USYNT possibilities, Powder chose to represent the nation of heritage. He said, "It's been a great experience. It's actually been an honor to represent this country. I feel like I'm starting to understand the culture more as day and day goes by."

In addition to his actions off the field, Powder has continued to perform on the field for Trinidad and Tobago. He's started every match for Trinidad and Tobago in their CFU qualifying campaign, most recently scoring a goal in the team's 11-0 drumming of Turks and Caicos, while also being active in the team's 1-1 tie against St. Lucia which saw the team advance to the final round of qualifiers.

NYRBII honor Orlando and tie

Goals from defenders Aaron Long and Tim Schmoll saw New York Red Bulls II extend their unbeaten streak but not collect the three points as they tied Orlando City B 2-2.

The two team's stood united prior to kickoff, showing solidarity with the city of Orlando in the aftermath of the tragic shooting which had recently occurred. Though the game went on as usual, this night was about more than soccer game and it was almost fitting the team's ended the match as equals.

U14s tie Houston 3-3 in USDA showcase game

As the US Developmental Academy playoffs ramp up this week in Dallas, the New York Red Bulls U14 team is on hand for a few showcase games.

The U14s tied the Houston Dynamo 3-3 on Monday night, starting strong and taking the lead, but ultimately fading down the stretch. That full game can be seen here.

The U14s then tied FC Dallas 1-1 on Wednesday and beat Ballistic United SC 1-0 on Thursday

U16/U18 playoff updates

Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls U16 and U18 teams entered the USDA playoffs down in Dallas.

The U16s tied their first game of the group stage 1-1. Zachary Ryan scored the lone goal for New York against the Ben Lederman IMG academy. Also on Wednesday night, the U18s beat Pateadores 3-2 thanks to a Samad Bounthong hattrick in their first game of the playoffs.

Karl Ouimette loaned to Jacksonville Armada

As first reported on by Empire of Soccer, Karl Ouimette looks to be joining the Jacksonville Armada on loan for the rest of the 2016 season. This comes after Ouimette was given a baptism by fire in the first team after starter after starter went down with injuries. He came out fine, if ultimately unimpressive, and following a long layoff after a certain incident in Pittsburgh, Ouimette looks to be heading down to Florida for the rest of the season.

With the abundance of experienced centerback talent on the first team and young centerback talent on the second team, don't be surprised if Ouimette is not in a Red Bulls uniform next year.