Red Bull New York II were founded on January 21, 2015, when the New York Red Bulls acquired the rights to start a USL club. Red Bulls II competes in the second tier of American soccer and serves as a reserve side for the first team as well as a developmental stage for young prospects and academy players. The club follows in the footsteps of many MLS clubs who created USL sides to help promote youth development throughout the nation.[2]
It was announced on March 2, 2015, that former MetroStars and Red Bulls player, John Wolyniec would be the club's new head coach. Wolyniec previously served as an assistant coach to the senior team and the academy. Former Red Bulls defender, Ibrahim Sekagya will also serve on his coaching staff.[3]
On March 19, 2015, the soccer club announced the signing of their first-ever player, and former academy standout, Tyler Adams.[4] Following their first signing, the club's first roster consisted of senior team players who were loaned down, draft picks, academy players and local trialists.[5] A week later, on March 28, the club played in their inaugural match, drawing 0–0 against the Rochester Rhinos.[6] Senior team loanee, Anatole Abang scored the club's first ever goal in a 4–1 victory against Toronto FC II, marking the first victory in club history.[7]
New York Red Bulls II celebrating their USL Cup victory on October 23, 2016
A New York Red Bulls team composed mostly of NYRB II players defeated Chelsea F.C. in a friendly on July 22, 2015.[8]
On February 7, 2022, the club appointed Gary Lewis as new head coach.[14] However, amid a dismal first season that saw the team win just three of 34 games, Lewis was fired in July. [15] Assistant coach Ibrahim Sekagya was named interim coach.
MLS Next Pro era (2023-present)
MLS announced that it would be one of the new eight teams to join MLS Next Pro in 2023.[16]
Sekagya, who had been with the team as an assistant since its founding in 2015, was named the full-time head coach to start the 2023 season.[17] New York made the playoffs and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2023 before falling to New England Revolution II.
In 2024, they failed to make the postseason but re-established their reputation for promoting players to first team action, as Roald Mitchell, Ibrahim Kasule, AJ Marcucci, Omar Valencia and Mohammed Sofo all made their debuts for the first team in either 2024 or 2025.
After a first half of 2025 that saw the team top the overall table through their first 13 games, Sekagya was promoted to a full-time assistant coach for the first team, after doing double duty with both teams through the previous 18 months.[18] Sekagya was replaced by former US international and ex-MetroStar Michael Bradley.[19]
Club culture
Supporters
The team-recognized, fan organized supporters group of Red Bulls II was The Rampage, founded by members of the New York Red Bulls supporters club Viking Army.[20] The Rampage stopped operations after the Red Bulls II last home USL Championship game in September 2022 following the decision to not support the team after they moved the club to MLS Next Pro, a league dedicated for the MLS reserves teams to develop players.
As of the 2016 season, MLS reserve sides are not allowed to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
As of the 2024 season, New York Red Bulls were 1 of 11 clubs to play their MLS Next Pro club in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. For the 2025 season, MLS provided new criteria for qualification to enter the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.[21]
Head coach record
As of February 7, 2022
Includes USL Regular season, USL Play-offs and U.S. Lamar Hunt Open Cup
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