HARRISON, N.J. (December 18, 2017) – The New York Red Bulls have signed forward Stefano Bonomo to an MLS contract, the club announced today. Bonomo was selected by New York in the second round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and has played three seasons with New York Red Bulls II, the club’s USL affiliate.
Bonomo becomes the fifth NYRB II signee to be promoted to the first team.
“We are happy to welcome Bonomo to the first team,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “He has made the most of his time in USL to develop his skills and integrate himself into our style of play. We are always pleased to promote players that have worked hard and earned opportunities. This signing is a credit to Stefano, John Wolyniec, and the entire USL coaching staff.”
Bonomo, a Hillsborough, California native, has played with New York Red Bulls II since their inception in 2015, accruing 53 games played, 21 goals, seven assists and 3,455 minutes played. The California forward had his best offensive season this past year, recording 13 goals and two assists in just 16 games played. Bonomo helped Red Bulls II capture the Eastern Conference title, the USL Shield and the USL Cup in 2016.
“We knew we had a good player in Stefano when we drafted him in 2015,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “He’s earned this chance with his play and with his attitude. He is a good attacking player and can score in a variety of ways. If he continues to work the way he has, he will continue to better himself and our team every day.”
Bonomo was four-year standout at the University of California, collecting numerous accolades as a Golden Bear such as All-PAC-12 honorable mention and PAC-12 All-Academic honorable mention as a sophomore, and All-PAC-12 First Team his senior year. He was called up to the United States U-18 National Team training camps in February and April 2011. Bonomo holds dual citizenship in the United States and Italy.
“First of all, I’d like to thank the first team coaching staff for the belief they’ve had in me ever since I joined the club three seasons ago, I am very grateful,” said Bonomo. “The excitement and emotions I’ve had since I found out they wanted to promote me to the first team are feelings I’ve never experienced before.”
“I know this is another step forward in my career but there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m enthusiastic and eager for the upcoming season and will put my head down and prepare as best as possible to help the team succeed in any way I can.”
Transaction: New York Red Bulls sign forward Stefano Bonomo to an MLS contract on December 18, 2017.
