New York Red Bulls II concluded the 2022 season on Saturday, October 15 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The club will transition to MLS NEXT Pro for the beginning of the 2023 season.
Look back at notes and numbers from the season’s final month:
Last Dance – Red Bulls II concluded its eighth and final season in USL Championship on October 15. In 253 matches dating back to 2015, the club won 98 matches and qualified for the postseason five-straight seasons. The club reached the Eastern Conference Final three-consecutive seasons and won the 2016 USL Cup at Red Bull Arena. During its time in the league, New York saw 21 players sign MLS contracts with the first team.
Mullings Climbs the Record Book – During New York’s match at Memphis 901 FC on October 9, O’Vonte Mullings moved into third in club history for minutes in a single season at 2,668, passing Andrew Tinari. The first-year defender started all 31 matches he appeared in during the season and started 24-straight matches from May 14 to October 9, playing 96 percent of the minutes during that span.
Rutkowski Makes History – Red Bulls Academy goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski made his professional debut on October 1 at 15 years and 341 days old, making him the youngest goalkeeper to start a match in club history. Rutkowski made two starts in October and logged 180 minutes and eight saves. He is also the fifth-youngest player in club history to appear in a match.
Marcucci’s Stellar Finale – After making his return from injury on September 3, AJ Marcucci closed out New York’s season with a start at Tampa Bay and recorded a career high nine saves. That mark is tied for the most by a Red Bulls II goalkeeper this season (Giannis Nikopolidis, August 3) and is tied for third in club history for the most saves by a goalkeeper
