Tuesday, Feb. 21 was Media Day for the New York Red Bulls where Dante Vanzeir was introduced to the media as an exciting forward they signed this offseason and held a press conference for head coach Gerhard Struber.
The team is coming off 2022 MLS season where they finished 4th in the Eastern Conference Standings and got knocked out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. Also, they lost United States Men's National Team (USMNT) player and captain Aaron Long to free agency. This offseason, head of sport Jochen schneider signed two forwards, Corey Burke from Philadelphia as well as Belgian international Vanzeir to help the team score goals, which they struggled to do last season.
The 24-year-old Vanzeir joins Red Bull from Union St. Gilloise, where he scored 12 goals and had two assists last year. Vanzeir also has experience playing for the Belgian national team. Tuesday, he appeared at a press conference where coach Struber discussed what he can add to his team.
“Dante is an interesting striker. He has special ability and a big nose for the goal. This was the missing link we had in the last few seasons. He is five weeks [with] no team training and in this way, we have to be careful. We have to put Dante on the field in the right shape to perform.”
Vanzeir also spoke on what he can offer the Red Bulls this season:
It's simple. I'm a guy who doesn't do the most crazy things on the [field] but I'm a guy who's hard-working, give my best every time. I will help the team by creating chances, working hard and by scoring goals hopefully. That's the most I can do to make the fans happy and I'm sure with good results, the fans will be pleased to be in the stadium.
Morgan Looks to Repeat 2022 Success
The Red Bulls would not have had much success last season without Lewis Morgan, a talented midfielder who transferred from Inter Miami CF before the 2022 MLS season. The Scotsman led the team with 15 goals, including scoring a wondergoal in the playoff game.
The 29-year-old Red Bulls midfielder described the goals he has for the upcoming season and how his team can improve in big games.
[MLS is] a tough league and small details will always be present,” Morgan said. “Last year, there were games like the playoff game where we had the game in our hands and it’s just about trying to stay focused for 90 minutes, which I’m sure we’re all aware of. We know we’ve got a good squad here and we don’t want to leave anything out on the pitch.”
Morgan also discussed how he felt about his teammate, Sean Nealis being named the 15 captain in club history earlier this week.
I think Sean embodies everything that Red Bull is about. He’s come through this club and had periods [of time] where he wasn’t a star. I think he’s a good role model, leads by example and is good for the younger guys coming through the system to identify with. Most of all, he’s a good player and I’m sure he’s going to be a good leader for us.
Nealis will take over a captaincy last held by Aaron Long and his recent seasons suggest he is headed for around the same success as Long. The Red Bull captain and center back spoke about the challenge that game one of the 2023 MLS season presents for his team.
I think everyone’s confident in our abilities,” Nealis said. "We have a tough test this first game in Orlando, it’s always hot and humid down there. They’re always a combative playing style between us and it will be a good match and we’re excited for this game.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
Kickoff at Exploria Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 PM. This is a rivalry game for Red Bulls even though Orlando City SC play in Florida, because of last year's Open Cup where Red Bull got embarassed by the Lions in a 5-1 loss.
We will see how much better this year's version of Red Bulls can play but don't expect to see Vanzeir play in this one. The 2023 MLS season kicks off tonight, don't miss it and good luck Red Bulls from the Jersey Sporting News staff.
- Seton Hall Triumphs over Indiana State in NIT Championship - April 5, 2024
- Seton Hall men's basketball headed to NIT Final - April 4, 2024
- Red Bulls sign Cameron Harper to multiyear deal - April 3, 2024
