The Herd: Borges, Lombard called into YNT, Metzger in the TotW, and academy playoffs update

An action packed roundup this week featuring players from all walks of the Red Bulls hierarchy.

By Jake_Evans@JEvans137 Jun 30, 2016, 12:00pm EDT

New York Red Bulls U16s, U18s fall out of academy playoffs

After two stellar seasons, close to 20 college commitments, and one potential contract offer, the New York Red Bulls academy's U16 and U18 teams' seasons are done. Despite the pedigree and historic success of New York's academy teams against competition from across the nation, both team's fell in their respective group stages of USDA playoffs.

Only the top team of every group advances and the U16s 1-1-1 record wasn't enough to get them out of the group stage. On a more positive note, the U16s did end their 2015-2016 season with a strong 2-0 win against Chicago, with goals coming from Giuseppe Margiottiello and Ben Mines. Between defender Chris Gloster, currently in US Soccer's residency program, Mines, and forward Omir Fernandez, the U16s should be in good shape going forward.

Meanwhile, the U18s were exceptionally unfortunate not to advance, going 2-0-1, tied for top of the group on points and goal difference, but the Sacramento Republic edged them in goals scored and therefore advanced to the next round. This year's team will see prolific goalscorers Brian Saramago and Ben Sharifi head to Loyola, defender Mason Deeds continue the Red Bulls' legacy at Georgetown, and Noah Powder remains without a college commitment.

Marcello Borges, Andrew Lombard called up to U20 USYNT

Two Red Bulls Academy grads, and current U23 players, were called into the U.S. U20 National Team for the team's participation in the 2016 U-20 Men's NTC Invitational. Defenders Andrew Lombard and Marcello Borges will feature for the U.S. as they take on Costa Rica, Panama, and Japan.

In fact, last night's game against Costa Rica saw the U20s top Costa Rica 2-0, thanks in no small part to a very solid performance from Borges at leftback. Lombard did not feature in the game.

Borges was "clattered" early in the game, but seemingly recovered to go the full 90 for the U.S.

17' USA LB Marcello Borges absolutely clattered by a Costa Rican midfielder. looked a very serious head injury but he looks to be continuing
— Baby Nats Abroad (@babynatsabroad) June 30, 2016

Final US 2 - 0 Costa Rica. Great match over all with fantastic performances from Seba, Borges and Ebobisse.
— Baby Nats Abroad (@babynatsabroad) June 30, 2016

Dan Metzger named to USL Team of the Week, Speedy Williams makes the bench

A solid 4-0 win saw multiple New York Red Bulls II players return to the USL Team of the Week after a few week absence. For Dan Metzger, the academy grad's return from a serious injury continues down a fortuitous path. A very solid midfield performance from Metzger, in which he shut down Wilmington creative force Mael Corboz, earned him a Team of the Week nod.

Joining Metzger in the team of the week, albeit on the bench, is his midfield partner Devon 'Speedy' Williams. Williams continues to impress for NYRBII and with Tyler Adams coming through and Sean Davis riding the bench for the first team, New York is truly stockpiling young midfield talent.

U23s capture late win versus Reading

As the New York Red Bulls look to continue to attempt to pull their season out of the fire with a 1-0 win against the conference leaders Reading United AC. Alex Tejera captured the lone goal for the U23s after entering the game in the 65th minute as a sub. A win against the top team in the conference, despite missing Lombard and Borges and Florian Valot recently signing with NYRBII, is a big step in pushing their season in the right direction. Despite sitting at fifth in the conference, the U23s are only four points out of first place.