RBNY II Trades For 3 International Spots, Paul Sokoloff Called Into U-17 National Team & More

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Red Bull New York announced that its MLS Next Pro affiliate RBNY II has acquired three international roster spots from Toronto FC II for an undisclosed fee.

The move opens up some roster flexibility for the Baby Bulls as they look to defend their 2025 MLS Next Pro Cup title. Potentially, the move could be made to accommodate incoming signings from Panama, Gustavo Herrera, Aimar Sanchez and Alexander Julio.

However, this could also be a move from the club to provide cushion to the first team, should they need to send international players down to MLS Next Pro for additional roster relief. Currently, RBNY has 14 international players contracted to its first team. Unless New York acquires more international roster spots or move some international players out, they will have to look to RBNY II as a potential solution to that issue. A source within the club revealed to Empire Soccer Report that the first team has 10 international roster spots at the moment, following RBNY's trade with Seattle Sounders last week.

RBNY II Midfielder Paul Sokoloff Called Up To USYNT U-17 Squad

After signing his first professional contract with RBNY II back in December, Paul Sokoloff is headed to yet another U.S. youth national team camp. He'll be joining the USYNT U-17 team for CONCACAF U-17 Qualifiers between Feb. 5 - Feb. 10 in St. Vincent and The Grenadines. 

The United States has been drawn into Group E for the qualifying tournament as they look to be one of eight CONCACAF representatives at the 2026 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They will compete against the Dominican Republic, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

Rumor: Could RBNY Be Interested in Pumas Forward Jorge Ruvalcaba?

Pure speculation, but with Tom Bogert of The Athletic reporting that RBNY is not done bolstering the attacking ranks of the club on the latest episode of Soccerwise, Mexican-American winger Jorge Ruvalcaba could be a potential target. The player nearly moved within LigaMX to Toluca in the summer of 2025 and has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Europe and MLS this winter.

He has also recently followed Red Bull New York on Instagram. Alas, this could all be nothing. 

RBNY Holds Virtual Press Conference with Head Coach Michael Bradley

On Thursday, RBNY held a virtual press conference with Head Coach Michael Bradley, who talked about RBNY's playing philosophy, potential new players coming in to the club and the team's recent exhibition loss to Sarasota Paradise of USL League One. Empire Soccer Report's James Birle caught up with Bradley and asked about his first preseason match in charge: