New York Red Bulls II concluded its four-match June slate on Saturday, June 25, against El Paso Locomotive FC.
The month saw the club take on three playoff teams from the 2021 season and as well as a historic debut from a Red Bulls Academy player. As the season reaches its halfway point, look back at notes and numbers from June:
Steven’s First Team Debut – Steven Sserwadda came on as a second half substitute for the New York Red Bulls in their match against New York City FC on June 22. The midfielder was on a short-term loan with the first team, marking the third Red Bulls II player to be on a short-term loan with the Red Bulls (Juan Castillo, O’Vonte Mullings).
Nate Worth Debuts – 15-year-old Nate Worth made his professional debut on June 25 in El Paso. He started and played the first half. Worth became the second-youngest player in club history to make their professional debut, only behind Serge Ngoma. He is also the youngest in Red Bulls II history to start in their professional debut.
Sam’s Stellar Season – Sam Williams is the youngest player in USL Championship to appear in every match for their respective club this season. He is also the youngest to surpass 1,000 minutes, with the next youngest player to have more minutes than him being two years older. Williams also scored his first professional goal on June 2, against San Diego Loyal SC.
International Duty – On top of his first team debut in June, Steven Sserwadda also appeared with the Ugandan National Team. He logged 35 minutes as a second half substitute in Uganda’s first 2023 AFCON Qualifier on June 4 against Algeria. He has made three appearances for Uganda in 2022, totaling 120 minutes.
Rafa Wears the Captain’s Armband – Jeremy Rafanello wore the captain’s armband for the first time in his Red Bulls II career for the club’s match at Loudoun United FC on June 8. The midfielder has started all 14 matches that he has appeared in this season, totaling 1,259 of a possible 1,260 minutes.
Goal of the Month – On June 6, USL Championship announced Illia Tyrkus had won the league’s Goal of the Month for May. The 16-year-old scored in the second half against Hartford Athletic on May 14, becoming the 23rd youngest player in league history to score.
