Matthew Mbuta

Signed on Sept. 15, 2008 prior to the League's roster freeze deadline, Mbuta is a speedy midfielder who played last season on the right wing. Mbuta impressed the Red Bulls Bulls as an opposing player in their U.S. Open Cup match on July 1, 2008 - a game Crystal Palace won, 2-0. He struggled with a quadriceps injury towards the end of the 2008 season.

Professional:

2008: After signing on Sept. 15, Mbuta appeared in two games for New York, scoring a goal four minutes into his debut in a 5-4 loss to Colorado on Sept. 27. Tallied four assists for Red Bulls Reserves prior to signing. Appeared in 17 games for Crystal Palace Baltimore. Tallied two goals and two assists while helping the team to the USL-2 Semifinals. Was named to the USL Second Division All-League Second-Team.

2007: Appeared in 16 games for Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USL Second Division. Tallied five goals, including one game-winner. Recorded seven assists, including three game-winners, a total that ranked him second in the league. Named to the USL Second Division All-League First-Team.

2006: Played for Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota FC (DPMM FC) of the Malaysian Super League. Appeared in eight matches, scoring three goals.

2004-06: Played for PWD de Bamenda of the Cameroonian First Division. In 2004, he scored 12 goals (third in the league) in 20 appearances, and helped PWD qualify for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup. In the CAF Cup, PWD advanced to the quarterfinals, with Mbuta scoring five goals.

International:

Earned his first cap with the national cadet team in 2000. He has also represented Cameroon at the Under-23 level. Trialed at Arsenal and West Ham of the English Premier League in 2006.

Personal:

Enjoys playing classical piano. His favorite composer is Beethoven. Favorite book is "Five People You Meet in Heaven." Fan of Manchester United.