Football Season Guide

The 2022 season felt like "Groundhog Day" for New York Red Bulls supporters. The club reached the play-offs for the 13th consecutive season but fell at the first hurdle for the fourth year in a row, losing to FC Cincinnati at home. It was at Red Bull Arena where the team had their greatest struggles. Gerard Struber's high pressing transitional style of football was far less effective when away teams came to defend in a low block. On the other hand, NYRB had the second best away record in the entire MLS - with their style much more suited to playing on the road. The manager will have to find a better balance in the upcoming season. He will have to do it without now former captain Aaron Long who has left to join champions LAFC. Patryk Klimala is another notable departure, having endured a difficult campaign in front of goal. The club's search for more prolific scorers saw them bring in Dante Vanzeir who had a record of a goal every other game in the Belgian top flight last season. Cory Burke arrives with MLS experience from Philadelphia and Brazilian youngster Elias Manoel joined permanently after a loan spell last season. They will be supported by the excellent Lewis Morgan and Luquinhas who showed flashes of brilliance last year. The defence has been significantly weakened by Long's departure so more business will perhaps need to be done.