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U23 end of season on a win and end of year thoughts
The New York Red Bulls U23 team ended a lackluster year with a standout performance. Last year's PDL runner-up ended the year in fourth place in the Mid-Atlantic Division, with a record of 6-4-4. Their 22 points put them one point behind the Baltimore Bohemians in third place and five behind the Ocean City Nor'easters in second.
On a more positive note, the team ended their season a high with a 6-0 victory over Evergreen FC.
As a whole the year can be seen as a transition year for the team. For years the team was led by the consistent presence of Scott Thomsen, Chris Thorsheim, Sean Sheridan, and others. Now with all of those men graduating it is understandable why the team had an off year. Alex Muyl and Derrick Etienne would have been two of the team's top players, but instead they're playing professionally with the Red Bulls. Additionally, the loss of Adam Najem, who chose to play for the Michigan Bucks, was a huge one.
Najem and the Bucks enter the quarter finals of the PDL tonight as they face off against the Des Moine Menace. Last night's round of 16 win saw Najem score one and assist on another in a 3-0 route.
Ryan Meara makes Team of the Week bench
This week's USL TotW did not feature any New York Red Bulls II players despite the team's 2-1 win against the Charlotte Independence. However, goalkeeper Ryan Meara made the bench for Team of the Week, on loan from the first team. As it stands Meara has the league best goals-against average in the league at 0.66 and third in save percentage at 0.800.
Adam Najem, Anthony Viteri make Hermann Trophy Watchlist
This year's Hermann Trophy Watchlist, college soccer's equivalent of the Heisman, sees two New York Red Bulls Academy graduates make the list. Boston University's Anthony Viteri and Akron's Adam Najem both made the list, having come out of the Red Bulls development pipeline. Viteri scored six goals and assisted on two more last year in his first year for the Terriers while Najem logged ten goals and 11 assists in 24 appearances for Akron. One surprise omission from the list is Georgetown and NYRB U23 midfield maestro Arun Basuljevic. The former National Freshman of the Year continued to impress in his sophomore year, and with a lot of turnover at Georgetown this year, it may well be Basuljevic's time to shine.
As it stands, Najem is considered one of the premier favorites for the award along with the likes of Jason Wright and Abu Danladi.
Scott Thomsen signs with Richmond Kickers
On Friday, longtime academy player and onetime New York Red Bulls homegrown player, Scott Thomsen signed with the Richmond Kickers of the USL. Thomsen was released from his HG contract with the club before the season began, and chose to pursue options abroad instead of signing with NYRBII. He went on trial with clubs around Europe, including some in Holland, before briefly returning to NYRBII. Thomsen's signing stays true to the Virginia roots Thomsen planted while he was playing college soccer at UVA.
Fellow cut Homegrown player Chris Thorsheim remains without a club while Mael Corboz is with the Wilmington Hammerheads, having recently had a trial in Germany.