Grella heading to Columbus to save the crew

It’s a bit difficult to read when you have a Long Island local that was brought back from Europe when no one else wanted him three years ago. Not just a player from your academy from the past, but played for Leeds in England.

But today we say goodbye or Arrivederci to Mike Grella as he was picked up in the 1st round of the Re-Entry Draft by the Colorado Rapids and heads over to a side that is hungry to make a big playoff push in the Western Conference, then traded to the Columbus Crew for a 2nd round pick in the 2019 MLS Super Draft.

"On behalf of everyone at the New York Red Bulls, I'd like to thank Mike for his service to the club," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "He had many great moments here and was an excellent guy in our locker room. We wish Mike and his family all the best as he continues his career."

Not only was he a battler on the pitch, but some of his best goals came at the right time either early, middle or late in matches as he was the goal scorer in Columbus to get the clubs 1,000th goal in their history as either Metro or RBNY.

He never backed down from any challenge and he also made history scoring the fastest goal in MLS history towards the end of the 2015 regular season as he ran towards the net and within seven seconds of the opening half he beat Andre Blake and the Philadelphia Union at Red Bull Arena.

"Mike is a fierce competitor and the type of guy who gives everything for his teammates," said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. "He played a big role for us the past few years and helped establish who we are as a team. I'm grateful to have had Mike as a player and wish him and his family nothing but the best."

Another player from that 2015 Supporters Shield winning side has been sent away and the continued rumors of Sacha Kljestan being traded to LAFC or other clubs interested in his services.

Will we see more kids from the USL Bulls get a look or is there someone new coming to the club from abroad, the wheels are turning and hopefully we can see someone new coming in.