Harrison, NJ (June 13, 2023) — Last week, Major League Soccer announced that fans can begin casting their votes for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
Sean Nealis, a star defender for the New York Red Bulls, is a perfect fit to be a part of this year’s squad that will take on Arsenal FC at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on August 19.
Nealis has been a crucial part of the Red Bulls’ success in 2023, starting all 16 games he has played in and contributing 1,440 minutes on the pitch – both tied for second most by any defender this season.
Nealis, a native of Long Island, N.Y., has assisted in three of the Red Bulls’ four clean sheets this season. The defender has also been a key component in the club conceding just 16 goals, tied for fifth lowest in MLS.
Through his efforts, Nealis has earned two MLS Team of the Matchday honors. Most recently, he earned a spot on the Matchday 16 team due to his stellar performance in New York’s match at Inter Miami where the defender assisted the club to a clean sheet, providing a key tackle in front of the Herons’ goal to keep them off the board.
He also recorded a 200% dual percentage, along with an 85.7% passing percentage
Nealis has been sharp in the passing game, completing 74.5% of his 706 passing attempts. His 526 successful passes lead the club by a margin of 39, showing off his ability to distribute the ball and facilitate movement. He has also shown he can disrupt opponents' passing, ranking second on the team with 18 interceptions.
Nealis is known to be a strong leader and someone his teammates can trust, which was solidified by his selection as this year’s team captain, making him the club’s first New York-native captain ever.
Since entering the league in 2019, the captain has never been an All-Star, but 2023 is the perfect time to change that.
