TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
The New York Red Bulls have turned to their USL affiliate for their latest attacking reinforcement, announcing Monday the signing of forward Stefano Bonomo from New York Red Bulls II.
Bonomo, 24, has spent the last three seasons with the Red Bulls' USL squad after being selected in the second round (No. 39 overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He is the fifth player to be promoted from NYRB II to the first team.
"We are happy to welcome Bonomo to the first team," said Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett in a statement provided by the team. "He has made the most of his time in USL to develop his skills and integrate himself into our style of play. We are always pleased to promote players that have worked hard and earned opportunities. This signing is a credit to Stefano, [NYRB II head coach] John Wolyniec, and the entire USL coaching staff."
Bonomo has played 3,455 minutes across 53 games in his three seasons in the USL. He enjoyed his best offensive campaign in 2017, scoring 13 goals and two assists in just 16 games. In total, he has registered 21 goals and seven assists for NYRB II, also helping them to the 2016 USL Shield and USL Cup titles.
"We knew we had a good player in Stefano when we drafted him in 2015," said Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch. "He's earned this chance with his play and with his attitude. He is a good attacking player and can score in a variety of ways. If he continues to work the way he has, he will continue to better himself and our team every day."
Prior to being drafted by the Red Bulls, Bonomo was four-year standout at the University of California and earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors in his senior season. He holds dual citizenship with the United States and Italy, and has previously been a part of US Under-18 national team camps.
"First of all, I'd like to thank the first team coaching staff for the belief they've had in me ever since I joined the club three seasons ago, I am very grateful," said Bonomo. "The excitement and emotions I've had since I found out they wanted to promote me to the first team are feelings I've never experienced before."
"I know this is another step forward in my career but there is still a lot of work to be done. I'm enthusiastic and eager for the upcoming season and will put my head down and prepare as best as possible to help the team succeed in any way I can."
