Football Season Guide

A poor campaign in 2017 has triggered major changes at New York Red Bulls who let go arguably their best creative force in recent years. Tipped as potential MLS Cup participants, New York had a season to forget last time around as they just about managed to finish sixth in the Eastern Conference before losing to eventual MLS Cup winners Toronto FC in the Conference semifinals. New York have responded by going through a major cull in the off-season with a number of first choice players leaving the club. The biggest departure is that of Sacha Kljestan who has been traded to Orlando City while Mike Grella, Dilly Duka, Gonzalo Veron, Sal Zizzo, Damien Perrinelle and Muhamed Keita also leaving the club, all of whom had contributed to the first team last season. Majority of New York's new arrivals are international players with Alejandro Romero "Kaku" Gamarra seen as one of the best players arriving in recent years. The Young Designated Player will be taking over from Kljestan as the creative hub for New York while Orlando duo of Carlos Rivas and Tommy Redding will provide MLS experience to the roster. Marc Rzatkowski and Cristian Casseres have been signed from Red Bull Salzburg and Deportivo La Guaira to boost their midfield options. New York should bounce back from a poor campaign from last season and challenge both New York City FC and Toronto FC for the top spot in the Eastern Conference though it remains to be seen whether it will be enough for the club to go on a deep run in the playoffs.