New York has concluded their 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Campaign. The team finished 11th place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points and an overall record of 10-12-6.
Goals Galore
New York was no stranger to finding the back of the net, scoring 52 goals which ranks tied for third-most in MLS NEXT Pro this year.
The boys in red had 15 total players that found the scoresheet this season. This total is tied for fourth-most in the league this season.
Forward Tanner Rosborough caught fire this season scoring in five straight matches between June 30 and August 4. This is the second-longest goal scoring streak in franchise history.
Major Impact
New York Red Bulls II were led by midfielder Ibrahim Kasule and the forward duo of Mohammed Sofo and Tanner Rosborough. The trio each had 10+ goal contributions with Sofo tallying 12, and Kasule and Rosborough contributing 10 each. Our total of three players with 10+ goal contributions is tied for third-most in MLS NEXT Pro this season.
Pathway to Pro
The 2024 season saw five academy players earn minutes with goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski, defender Copeland Berkley, midfielder Adri Mehmeti, defender Jeffey Bryjak and defender Matthew Dos Santos all making appearances. The group collectively tallied 2,555 minutes including 46 total appearances and 28 starts. Mehmeti (March 20), Bryjak (April 21) and Dos Santos (June 14) all made their MLS NEXT Pro debuts.
For Club & Country
Seven players this season had the opportunity to represent their respective countries. Midfielder Rafael Mosquera featured for Panama’s U-23 international friendlies and Panama’s U-20 for the 2024 U-20 CONCACAF Championships. Defender Omar Valencia represented Panama at 2024 Copa America and appeared in Panama’s U-23 international friendlies. Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes played for the United States U-17 National Team at the Vaclaav Jezek Cup. Forward Tanner Rosborough was called up to United States U-16 camp. Midfielder Ibrahim Kasule featured for the Uganda National Team for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Defender Jair Collahuazo played international friendlies with Ecuador’s U-20s. Finally, midfielder Adri Mehmeti was called into United States U-15 camp.
Memorable Moments
Midfielder Rafael Mosquera won MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchweek 27 for his goal against Chicago Fire FC II on September 13.
Forward Ibrahim Kasule earned two awards on the season. First, he won MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 2 for his two-goal performance in a 3-3 draw against Inter Miami II on March 24. Kasule also won MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for March. In two matches in March, the Ugandan international tallied two goals and two assists.
Forward Julian Hall received MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 17 for his two-goal performance in a 6-2 win over Atlanta United 2 at MSU Soccer Park on July 7.
Forward Roald Mitchell won MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 5 for his four-goal performance in a 5-5 draw against Chicago Fire II on April 14. Mitchell scored three goals in the first 18 minutes of play and topped off his performance with a fourth in the 45th minute.
As a unit, New York earned two accolades. First, they won Team of Matchweek 3 for their 3-2 road win against FC Cincinnati 2 on March 28. Red Bulls II saw goals from defender Davi Alexandre and forward Roald Mitchell. Mitchell scored two goals on the day including a match winning goal in the 90th minute. The team also earned MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 17 for their 6-2 win over Atlanta United 2 on July 7. There were four goal scorers on the day. Forward Tanner Rosborough, midfielder Rafael Mosquera and defender Juan Gutierrez each tallied a goal, while forward Julian Hall registered his first MLS NEXT Pro brace.
Earning Experience
In the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, 14 New York players played at least 1,000 minutes. This ranks tied for second-most in MLS NEXT Pro this season.
Window of Opportunity
Through the whole season, New York found success finding the back of the net. The team created the second-most scoring opportunities in the league with 417, as well as being tied for the fifth-most shots on target with 155.
These opportunities have been a result of heads up play as New York was tied for the fifth-most assists in the league this season with 35 and had the fifth-most key passes with a total of 309.
New York’s second season in MLS NEXT Pro provided valuable experiences that the group will look to build on heading into 2025.
