Familiarity will be a theme for New York Red Bulls II during the 2022 USL Championship season, with 10 players returning from last season’s roster. One of those returners, midfielder Michael Knapp, will look to build off his first season with the club.
“I understood the Red Bull style of play since I played for the Academy, but I still had to put a lot of stuff together since it was my first year” Knapp said. “Defensively, I want to be even better this season. Physically, I have to apply pressure offensively and be better on the ball.”
Knapp ranked third on the 2021 team in blocks, tackles, and tackles won while logging 22 appearances, 17 starts, and 1,308 minutes.
As a team, New York will look to continue the momentum that it had down the stretch last season, as it earned results in six of its final eight contests. With 10 players returning, that continuity will be key for the club early in the year.
“Last year we came in and we didn’t know each other at all, we had to learn certain movements that players like to make,” Knapp said. “This year, we have some returners and a few new guys, so we understand how to play with each other. We’ve been practicing for a long time, it’s going to be flowing more.”
New York Red Bulls II will continue its preseason schedule on Saturday, February 26, as it hosts Stony Brook University at Red Bulls Training Facility. The match will be closed to the public, but coverage can be found across the club’s social media channels. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. ET.
