New York Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards was called into the Jamaican National Team's squad for their friendly against Nigeria on Feb. 11 at the New Den Stadium in London, England. Richards is expected to leave the Red Bulls on Feb. 8 during the squad's first preseason trip to Bradenton, FL.
Now in his third season with the Red Bulls, the 2006 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist enjoyed a strong sophomore season, recording a career-high three goals to go along with a team-high six assists in 23 appearances and 18 starts. The 25-year-old, who missed time last season due to a variety of injuries, played in all four playoff games in the Red Bulls' run to their first MLS Cup Final. He was instrumental in the team's Western Conference Semifinal second leg match against the Houston Dynamo on Nov. 9, when he had a hand in each of the team's three goals in a 3-0 win. Richards won MLS Player of the Week for that performance. He also tallied an assist in the MLS Cup Final.
In early Dec. 2008, Richards was called up for the Digicel Caribbean Championship, and helped Jamaica win the title after playing in all five games. He has earned 12 caps for Jamaica.
The Red Bulls open their MLS regular season on March 19 against the expansion Seattle Sounders FC at Quest Field in Seattle, Wash. at 9:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). New York will open its home schedule on March 28, hosting rival New England Revolution at 7:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium. For tickets, please call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto the Red Bulls Ticket Cetner.
