Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
The New York Red Bulls will be auditioning for roles this winter at outside back after the club parted ways with two starters.
The Red Bulls announced on Monday that they have declined options on wing backs David Carney and Brandon Barklage, with Carney eligible to remain in Major League Soccer through the waiver draft and Barklage eligible for the MLS re-entry draft.
“First, we want to thank Brandon and David for their service to our club. Both were top professionals and contributed to our success this season in helping us win our first Supporters’ Shield,” Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh said in a statement. “However, with this success comes the unfortunate challenge of making difficult decisions due to salary cap and personnel considerations. We wish both of them the best of luck.”
Barklage, primarily a right back though he played at left back on an emergency basis in a couple of matches, played 45 matches for the Red Bulls in a two-year stint with the club after he spent three seasons at D.C. United. The former Saint Louis Billiken started 37 of those matches, scoring two goals and adding 10 assists in regular season and playoff play.
Carney, an Australian international, joined the Red Bulls in early August after spending nearly a year without a club. The veteran left back provided solid cover for the Red Bulls in the absence of Roy Miller but committed a number of careless mistakes in defense that hurt the Red Bulls playoff hopes as they crashed out in the Eastern Conference semifinals. During his time in New York, Carney played in nine matches, all starts.
After the news broke on Monday morning, Barklage took to Twitter to give his thoughts on his situation.
There will be very fond memories of my time with the @NewYorkRedBulls. Now looking forward to the next phase of my career. Hungry as ever.
— Brandon Barklage (@bbarks25) November 25, 2013
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What do you think of this news? Did you expect to see both players leave the club? Do you see the Red Bulls adding an outside back or two in the MLS Draft? Do you see the club making any more roster decisions this week?
Share your thoughts below.