The New York Red Bulls will be looking to make their mark at this year's Leagues Cup, which kicks off on July 21. The team will be in action for the first time the following day, as they take on New England Revolution at 7:30pm ET (5:30 in Mexico City).
Their next match will take place eight days later at the same stadium and will have the same kick-off time - this time, against LIGA MX outfit Atletico San Luis. Both match-ups will be part of their East 4 group stage campaign, with a spot in the competition's playoffs on the line.
Head coach Troy Lesesne - the former assistant coach who replaced Gerhard Struber back in May. has a squad with a balance of youth and experience to call upon as he looks to turn the team's middling MLS form around this summer. The team has only managed 6 wins in their 23 games so far this season.
The Red Bulls are MLS veterans, having been in the league for the last 28 years. The average age of their current squad, though, is just under 23 years old. Here are two of those young players who'll be looking to show their worth at Leagues Cup.
Omir Fernández - straight out of the youth academy
Omir Fernández is a right winger for the New York Red Bulls and is one of the team's main offensive assets. He is 24 years old, was born in the United States and knows the club well, as he arrived as a child, played in the youth teams and made his debut with the first team in November 2019.
This season in MLS, he has made 19 appearances and was involved in six goals: he scored three and made three assists.
John Tolkin, the club's promising youngster
The 20-year-old left-back also came through the academy, which shows the importance that the New York Red Bulls afford to grassroots football. Born in New Jersey. He joined the professional squad in January 2020 and during this MLS 2023 season he has played 15 games and registered four assists. His main position is as a forward-thinking left-back, but he can also play as a left-sided midfielder. Can he be the star of the team in Leagues Cup 2023?
