Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
After adding centerback Armando last week, the New York Red Bulls shored up another position of need in a trade on Monday with Toronto FC.
The Red Bulls acquired right back Richard Eckersley from TFC in exchange for a fourth round selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, announced both clubs. Eckersley, 24, spent the last three seasons with TFC, making 72 appearances with 70 starts. The trade is pending Eckersley passing a physical and the acquisition of his P-1 Visa.
“We were impressed with Richard’s play at Toronto FC and are delighted to acquire him. He has a good soccer brain and is an energetic defender who can also provide positive attacking qualities on the flanks,”Andy Roxburgh, the Red Bulls sporting director said in a statement. “Richard will immediately provide another solid and versatile option for us on our backline and will certainly compete for a starting role on our team.”
Eckersley is expected to push Kosuke Kimura for playing time at the right back position, replacing Brandon Barklage, who split time with Kimura last season. Eckersley missed a large amount of the 2013 Major League Soccer season with recurring hamstring injury, making just 16 appearances in total.
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