What Is 2019 New York Red Bulls II season

Overview

The 2019 New York Red Bulls II season marked the team’s fifth campaign in the USL Championship, the second-tier professional soccer league in the United States. As the reserve squad for the MLS-based New York Red Bulls, the team focused on player development while competing in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Despite a balanced win-loss record, the Red Bulls II failed to secure a playoff berth, ending their postseason hopes. The season highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency across a 32-game schedule against seasoned lower-division clubs.

• 12 wins, 12 losses, and 8 draws resulted in 44 points from 32 matches, placing them 8th in the Eastern Conference.
• Home matches were played at MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field in Montclair, New Jersey, with average attendance around 1,200 per game.
• Head coach John Wolyniec led the team for the third consecutive season, emphasizing youth integration from the Red Bulls academy.
• The team scored 45 goals and conceded 47, reflecting a relatively even but underperforming defensive record.
• Notable players included John Tolkin, Brandon Allen, and Chris Nanco, who contributed key goals and assists throughout the season.

Performance & Roster

The 2019 season showcased a blend of academy graduates and professional signings aimed at bridging talent to the first team. Tactical adjustments were frequent due to call-ups and injuries, affecting overall team cohesion.

• Goalkeeper: Evan Louro started 24 matches, recording 7 clean sheets and a save percentage of 68%.
• Defender: John Tolkin, at just 18 years old, started 29 games, demonstrating potential for first-team promotion.
• Midfielder: Chris Nanco contributed 6 goals and 4 assists, serving as a key attacking outlet from the wing.
• Forward: Brandon Allen led the team with 9 goals, including 3 penalties, but lacked consistent support.
• Academy integration: 14 players under 21 saw match time, aligning with the club’s long-term development strategy.
• Injuries and call-ups: 8 first-team Red Bulls players rotated through the squad, disrupting continuity and depth.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of New York Red Bulls II’s 2019 performance against selected Eastern Conference teams reveals their mid-table standing and scoring inefficiencies.

While New York Red Bulls II scored more than teams below them, their defensive lapses—especially compared to Indy Eleven’s 33 conceded—kept them from advancing. Their point total was insufficient to overcome the top eight cutoff, highlighting the need for improved finishing and defensive organization.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season underscored the dual mission of reserve teams: competitive results and player development. For the Red Bulls organization, the season provided critical experience for emerging talents despite missing the playoffs.

• Success in player development was evident, with John Tolkin and others earning first-team training invitations.
• The season emphasized the gap between academy readiness and USL Championship physicality and pace.
• Consistent mid-table finishes raised questions about long-term competitive goals for the reserve side.
• Performance data helped scouting and coaching staff refine training regimens for future seasons.
• Missed playoffs highlighted the need for strategic roster depth and injury management.
• The campaign reinforced the value of competitive match experience for MLS-contracted players on loan.

Ultimately, the 2019 season served as a developmental benchmark, setting the stage for tactical and structural improvements in subsequent years.