Sam Goldberg To Be Named Red Bull New York Director of Soccer

According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Red Bull New York are going to name current Head of Player Analysis Sam Goldberg as Director of Soccer ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. 

Goldberg, 28, has been with RBNY in administrative roles since 2021. Goldberg originally served as Manager of Data Science & Analytics for the club, where he led the team’s strategic operations and long-term initiatives, heavily influencing the club's decision-making.

He was promoted to Head of Player Analysis in 2024. In that role, he oversaw RBNY’s data strategy and roster budget.

At the time of this promotion, then Red Bulls Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said of Goldberg, “Sam is a great mind and we’re thrilled to see him continue to grow within our club. His knowledge and expertise of Major League Soccer and the goals of our club will continue to be invaluable to the organization.”

In his upcoming role, he is expected to oversee the club's transfer strategy, scouting department, and continue his direction of the club's roster compliance and data department.

With some responsibilities carrying over from his previous title, it may be a promotion to attach additional management roles and fill the seat beneath new Head of Sport Julian de Guzman. De Guzman vacated the club's Sporting Director role at the end of the 2025 MLS season to replace Schneider as Head of Sport.

If and when Goldberg's promotion is announced, it marks a continuationof New York's front office promoting from within ahead of 2026.

Prior to joining RBNY, he worked in the data science departments for Minnesota United (as an intern), DC United and Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs. 

He graduated from Macalester College in 2019 where he played Division III baseball and letter went on to play pro ball in New Mexico for the Roswell Invaders of the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs.

He earned an MS in Data Science from Syracuse University in 2022 and is currently an adjunct professor of analytics at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies.

Empire Soccer Report Episode 4 is live!

In the latest episode of Empire Soccer Report, James Birle is joined by Luca Richman of @rbny.xp on Instagram. With the Red Bulls preseason underway, James and Luca analyze the reported signing of Ethan Horvath, the first two matches of preseason and take a look at the latest roster moves. All this and more: