HARRISON, NJ (January 10, 2018) – The New York Red Bulls have today announced the signing of Academy product and former Homegrown player Amando Moreno. The 22-year old played in two MLS matches in 2013 before a move to Club Tijuana in Liga MX.
New York Red Bulls Sign Former Academy Product To Bolster Attack
The club has been following a model this off-season revolving around speed, youth, and dynamic attacking options. The signing of Moreno fits right into this model. The forward will bring pace to an already intriguing array of forwards. Current Red Bulls forwards listed in age order are: Bradley Wright-Phillips (32), Muhamed Keita (27), Stefano Bonomo (24), Carlos Rivas (23), Amando Moreno (22), Anatole Abang (21, On Loan), and Derrick Etienne Jr. (21).
What Can Moreno Bring to This Attack?
The Morganville, NJ native tallied 55 combined goals/assist during his time with the RBNY U-16s from 2010-2012. Since this offensive explosion, Moreno played for the RBNY U-18s, various levels of the US youth national teams, and was signed to the Red Bulls first team in December of 2012. After appearing in two matches during the 2013 season, Moreno signed with Liga MX outfit Tijuana. There, he notched three goals and one assist in 20 appearances.
After four years with Xolos, Moreno says that coming home was something he knew he wanted to do. “I’ve always planned on coming back to play here and I’m happy that 2018 is the year I can.”
The 2018 Preseason will be an interesting time for Red Bulls fans and the coaching staff to figure out how all the pieces they have fit together. The off-season is not nearly over, however. Expect a couple more signings before March, as well as an exit or two. Kemar Lawrence has been linked with multiple clubs in Europe, notably in Turkey, and Sporting Director Denis Hamlett has stated in his last press conference that there is European interest in Tyler Adams (no surprise there). Both players have earned these looks, but RBNY will need to adjust accordingly if they leave.
Projection: The Red Bulls will use Moreno a first forward option off the bench, or as a starter in a two-striker formation in certain situations.
