For the 2022 Red Bulls, who owned the youngest roster in MLS with an average age of 22.6 years old, important contributions would come from some of New York's rising stars throughout the season.
Daniel Edelman and Serge Ngoma, who signed homegrown contracts before the 2022 season, would get their first appearances for the Red Bulls in the team's first match against San Jose.
After starting the year recovering from an injury, Cameron Harper would make his first start for the Red Bulls in a home match against Chicago Fire.
He would make an instant impact.
With New York trailing 2-1 in the second half, a Cameron Harper strike found its way through the hands of Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina and into the back of the net to tie a match that would eventually end 3-3.
It was one of four goal contributions for Harper during the season.
Ngoma would also make his mark in dramatic fashion.
After coming on as a sub in only his fourth MLS appearance, Ngoma would seize the opportunity late in the match, stealing the ball from an Atlanta back pass and slotting it home for a late winner against Atlanta United.
With that goal, Ngoma would end up as the youngest player to score in MLS during the 2022 season.
It would be one of two goals for Ngoma in seven appearances in his first season.
Out of all players who made an appearance in an MLS match last season, Ngoma was the third-youngest.
Edelman's first goal also helped secure a crucial three points for New York. His first goal would be the eventual winner against Inter Miami CF.
Edelman would go on to make ten starts and 16 total appearances in his debut season for the Red Bulls. His performances would lead to him being named Newcomer of the Year by the organization.
For all three Red Bulls youngsters, 2022 was a memorable year full of firsts. They now all look ahead to contributing for New York in 2023.
