Combined XI: LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls | MLS Cup 2024
You know there’s a Cup final on the horizon when the ol’ Combined XI column pops up in your feed!
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• First MLS assist – vs. Chicago Fire FC (with Nashville SC)
• First MLS game & start – vs. D.C. United , 3/7/2020 (with Inter Miami CF)
2024 (New York): Started in 25 of 30 matches this season...totaling 2,331 minutes played...tallied four assists...recorded his first assist of the season against Inter Miami CF on March 23...set new single season career-high in games played (30), games started (25), minutes played (2,331), and assists (4). Leagues Cup: Started and played in two matches...logged 180 minutes played. Playoffs: Started and played in five matches...logging 442 minutes played...tallied his first career MLS Cup Playoff assist in Game 1 of Round One Series against Columbus Crew.
2023 (New York): Played in 19 matches with 10 starts...totaled 1,029 minutes played. Playoffs: Appeared in three matches with one start...logged 156 minutes played.
2022 (New York): Started in 20 of 28 matches played ... set new career-highs in both appearances and starts ... logged 1,800 minutes played ... tallied a new career-high of three assists ... recorded his first assist of the season against Chicago Fire FC on April 30. Playoffs: Made second career appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs ... logged 39 minutes as a substitute against FC Cincinnati on October 15. Open Cup: Started and played in all five Open Cup matches ... scored his first professional goal in the Round of 16 against Charlotte FC on May 25.
2021 (Nashville SC): Made four appearances including two starts…logged 149 minutes…recorded his first career MLS assist in a 5-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC on July 17.
2020 (Inter Miami CF): Started 10 of his 19 appearances totaling 1,103 minutes…made his professional debut and first professional start playing 90 minutes against D.C. United on March 7.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
Nealis captained Georgetown University for two years, where he appeared in 78 matches, making 76 starts in his college career. The defender registered seven goals and 14 assists, while also leading the Hoyas to the 2019 NCAA Division 1 Men’s College Cup title. Nealis was named a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist for the 2019 season, won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the All-Big East First Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team. During his junior year, he also was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year and All-Big East First Team. Nealis was selected third overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Inter Miami CF.
ACQUIRED
New York Red Bulls acquired Long Island native Dylan Nealis from Nashville SC in exchange for $125,000 in General Allocation Money on December 15, 2021. Signed to three-year MLS contract through 2027 with an option for 2028 on May 9, 2024.