HARRISON, N.J. (April 17, 2025) – The New York Red Bulls have promoted Tiger Fitzpatrick to Head of Pro Player Pathway and Hector Merino to Head Equipment Manager, the club announced today.
Fitzpatrick started with New York in February 2023, when he joined the club as Head of Talent Identification and Recruitment. In this role, he identified youth soccer talent to the Red Bulls Academy and New York Red Bulls II.
Prior to New York, Fitzpatrick had 11 years of experience in soccer, serving as a technical director for Toronto Skillz FC Academy from October 2012 to November 2017. Shortly after, he had two stints as an executive director for New River United and Virginia United FC. The Trinidad and Tobago native was hired as Head Coach of George Brown College’s women’s soccer program in August 2018. He earned 2018 OCAA Central Division Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year honors.
The former midfielder played 10 years of professional soccer, making 84 appearances with MLS side Real Salt Lake and USL’s Rochester Rhinos. He also played for Atlanta Silverbacks, and the North East Stars FC and Ma Pau FC in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League. On the international stage, Fitzpatrick made 35 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, most notably representing his nation at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
“It’s been fantastic to witness and be a part of the growth of the New York Red Bulls organization and I’m excited to take on this expanded role that supports our young players in their professional journeys,” said Fitzpatrick. “Thank you to New York Red Bulls organization and our Academy leadership group for their daily support and collaborative guidance.”
Merino has been a member of the Red Bulls staff since March 2011. He served as an Assistant Equipment Manager since joining the club. From 2015 to 2021, he was the lead Equipment Manager for New York Red Bulls II. In 2021, Merino transitioned back to focusing on the being the Assistant Equipment Manager for the first team.
“I am very excited for this promotion and to continue to represent the New York Red Bulls,” said Merino. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to this club on a day-to-day basis and keep helping this club push towards its goals.”
