HARRISON, NJ (Feb. 22, 2013) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they signed rookie midfielders Michael Bustamante and Ian Christianson.
“Ian and Michael have both shown us in preseason that they have the potential to become future contributors to our club,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Both of them have shown that they have the willingness to improve and we are pleased to track their progress this season.”
Bustamante, taken in the first round (13th overall) of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft from Boston University, was a four-time America East All-Conference First Team and NSCAA All-Northeast Region selection. Despite missing the 2011 season due to a leg injury, the 2008 America East Midfielder and Rookie of the Year recorded a total of 69 games played, earning nine goals and 27 assists over his four-year college career. He has scored one goal in preseason for New York this year.
Selected by New York in the second round (22nd overall) in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Christianson played four years for Georgetown University and wrapped up his college career by making 26 starts, notching two goals and two assists, and captaining the Hoyas to the NCAA Division I Final. That year, the Cedar Rapids, IA native was a NSCAA Third Team All-America selection, NSCAA First Team All-Northeast Region pick and was on the All-BIG EAST First Team. A two-time NSCAA Second Team All-Northeast region and All-BIG EAST First Team member, Christianson was the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year in 2010 after notching five goals and seven assists in 20 games. During his career at Georgetown, Christianson, who has one goal for New York in preseason, amassed 78 appearances (77 of which were starts) and tallied 14 goals and 10 assists.
#23 Michael Bustamante
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Weight: 160 pounds
Day of Birth: Sept. 21, 1989 in Medellin, Colombia
Hometown: Chelsea, MA
College: Boston University
#2 Ian Christianson
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 155 pounds
Day of Birth: March 6, 1991 in Cedar Rapids, IA
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
College: Georgetown University
