Player Details

Name

Mike Grella

Height

5' 11"

Weight

181 lbs

Date of Birth

1.23.1987 (37)

Birthplace

Glen Cove, New York, New York USA

Position

Midfielder
Career Summary

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2016: Made 27 starts and 31 appearances, scoring seven goals and six assists... Earned start against Toronto in season opener on March 6... Scored first goal of season in 4-3 win over Houston on March 19... Recorded goal and assist in win over Orlando at April 24... Scored goal in win over FC Dallas on April 29... Scored fourth of season, a game-winner, against Chicago on May 18... Assist at NYC FC on May 21... Assist on BWP’s third goal against Toronto on May 28... Scored both goals in 2-0 win over Seattle on June 19... Assist vs Montreal on August 13... Assist at D.C. on August 21. Playoffs: Appeared in two playoff matches, starting one. Champions League: Made two appearances, both starts, in CCL group stage.  Open Cup: Made two appearances, including one start.. Scored in match at PHI on June 29.

2015: Finalist for MLS Newcomer of the Year … Scored fastest goal in MLS history vs. Philadelphia (seven seconds) on Oct. 18 … Appeared in 33 regular season games, including 30 starts, with nine goals and seven assists … First career MLS start on opening day at Sporting Kansas City on March 8 … First career MLS goal, game-winner, in 2-1 win over Columbus on March 28 … Scored goal in 2-0 win over San Jose on April 17 … Assisted on Sacha Kljestan’s goal at New England  on May 2 … Assisted on Sean Davis’ goal in Open Cup vs. Atlanta Silverbacks on June 16 … Scored second game-winning goal of season against Real Salt Lake on June 24 … Game-winning assist vs. NYC FC on June 28 … Goal against New York Cosmos in Open Cup on July 1 … Assist against New England on July 11 … Goal at Orlando City on July 18 … Assist in Montreal on Aug. 5 … Assist against NYC FC on Aug. 9 … Assist vs. D.C. on Aug. 30 … Scored goal against Chicago on Sept. 11 … Scored against New England on Sept. 16 … Two goals vs. Philadelphia on Oct. 18, including the fastest goal in MLS history.

2009-14: Made 40 appearances and scored five goals for the mighty Leeds United from 2009-11 … Had two loan spells while at Leeds with Carlisle United in 2010 and Swindon Town in 2011 … After leaving Leeds in 2011, he spent time with Brentford FC and Bury FC, also in the Football League Championship … His European trek continued with Scunthorpe United FC in England’s Football League One before moving to Danish side Viborg FF in 2013 … Played with Carolina RailHawks of the North American Soccer League in 2014.

INTERNATIONAL

Called up to U.S. Youth National Team camps with both the U-18s and U-20s.

COLLEGE

Standout at Duke University from 2005-08 and was selected in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, but decided to pursue opportunities in Europe … Went on trial with Leeds United in the English League Championship, and earned a permanent contract after impressing in reserve matches … Played briefly with USL Premier Development League side Long Island Rough Riders during the collegiate offseason in 2007-08 before switching to play for Carolina RailHawks U-23s.

ACQUIRED

Signed by New York Red Bulls on February 17, 2015.