Kyle Zajec and Roy Boateng both made the trip down to Bradenton, Florida for the first preseason trip with the first team.
“I have been enjoying it so far, it has been a great week,” Zajec said.
The Westport, Connecticut native enjoyed a successful season with NYRB II, appearing in 20 matches and tallying four goals. “I am learning a lot about defensive stuff, working together, pressing, and just trying to enjoy every moment,” Zajec said.
Boateng has been grateful to have the opportunity to travel down with the first team, after being injured at last year’s preseason and for most of the 2019 USL Championship season.
“It has been a great preseason compared to last year when I was hurt. I am really glad that I can be here and contribute and get some time to play to show what I can do,” Boateng said.
The Rohnert Park, California native made his professional debut on September 18 against Saint Louis FC, but all he is focused on in preseason is about competing.
“I just want to continue to show that I can be consistent, compete, and help the team,” Boateng said.
With both players returning to NYRB II for the 2020 USL Championship season, both players have positive outlooks on the season ahead.
“We are all looking forward to the season. I think we have a good group of guys coming back and we are looking forward to the challenge that the Eastern Conference provides,” Zajec said.
Zajec appeared in the first team’s first scrimmage against Atlanta United FC, while Boateng appeared in both scrimmages, most recently against the University of South Florida.
“I think the guys returning are great players and have bought into the philosophy. We are looking forward to a successful season,” Boateng said.
Both players will return from Florida on February 1 and train in New Jersey for the week. NYRB II open up their season against Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 7 at MSU Soccer Park on the campus of Montclair State University, with kick-off set for 3 p.m. ET.
