The first month of the 2022 USL Championship season saw six Red Bulls Academy players see action for Red Bulls II, including four that made their professional debuts. Look at how each did in the four matches in March:
Sam Williams – one of the returning Academy players from last season, Williams has seen a jump in his role from 2021. In the four matches in March, he started three while appearing in all four, helping to anchor the defensive midfield. At the end of the month, he ranked third on the team in minutes.
JC Cortez – another returner from the 2021 season, Cortez started the club’s home opener on March 19 and made two appearances off the bench. He collected 95 minutes during his three matches.
Ezra Widman – started in his professional debut on March 16 at Atlanta United 2, playing the first half. Widman helped create a few scoring chances for New York in the half. He came on in the second half of the home opener a few days later to bring his minutes total to 77 through March.
Illia Tyrkus – made his professional debut at Atlanta, coming on as a second half substitute. He subbed into the match against Loudoun a few days later, totaling 50 minutes in his two matches during the month.
Arian Recinos – made his professional debut at Atlanta, coming on as a second half substitute. He, along with Tyrkus, subbed into the match against Loudoun a few days later as well, logging 31 minutes through two appearances.
Paul Smajlaj – made his professional debut during the season opener on March 12 at Miami FC, coming on in the 84th minute as a substitute.
