HARRISON, N.J. (February 8, 2023) – New York Red Bulls II have exercised the option to extend the loan of defender Omar Valencia from C.D. Plaza Amador through the end of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, the club announced today.
“We are excited to extend Omar’s loan and be able to have him with the group again this season,” Sporting Director Denis Hamlett said. “We believe that he can have an impact in our system of play.”
Valencia, 18, was loaned to Red Bulls II on August 11, 2022, and appeared in the final three matches of the USL Championship season. The defender started all three matches, logged 235 minutes, and recorded his first professional assist on October 9 against Memphis 901 FC. He made his club debut a week earlier against Phoenix Rising FC on October 1.
“Omar had a strong impact in the matches that he appeared in at the end of last season,” Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya said. “He has really good qualities and we think he will continue to succeed with the team this year.”
Prior to joining Red Bulls II, Valencia appeared in eight matches for C.D. Plaza Amador in the Panamanian first division. He made his debut with the Panamanian National Team on June 11, 2022, in a friendly against Uruguay. The defender also featured for the Panamanian U-20’s during the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he made four appearances.
TRANSACTION: New York Red Bull II exercise the option to extend the loan of defender Omar Valencia through the end of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season on February 8, 2023.
