Continuity counts.
On Monday, the New York Red Bulls kept hold of another chunk of their Supporters' Shield-winning core from 2013 by announcing the signings of left back Roy Miller and starting goalkeeper Luis Robles to new contracts. Sporting director Andy Roxburgh recently hinted to reporters that a couple of unnamed players would be rewarded after strong campaigns this past season.
“With one of our goals being to create long-term continuity within our roster, we are very pleased to have signed Roy and Luis to new contracts,” said Roxburgh in a statement released by the club. “Both were important players for our team in 2013 and we are happy to keep them in New York.”
Miller is the longest-tenured player currently at the club, having signed his original deal back in 2010. He started this past season in poor fashion, making the costly decision to intentionally encroach on a penalty kick, before bouncing back and putting together a string of solid performances until being felled by an Achilles' injury in August. In total, the Costa Rican international made 16 starts in 17 appearances and had one assist in 2013.
“Roy has shown that he is a very capable left fullback, exhibiting top-level defending and attacking qualities," said Roxburgh. "He is also a hard-working professional and a very good character to have around the club. We are pleased to come to terms with him on a new contract.”
Robles also endured a rocky start to the campaign as New York's starting goalkeeper, with bizarre decisions marring his play, but picked things up around midseason and finished the year strong. Robles was the only Red Bulls player to start in every game last season, this despite youngster Ryan Meara anxiously waiting in the wings for playing time, and made 103 saves en route to recording 11 cleansheets.
“Luis demonstrated to us and the rest of the League that he was one of the top goalkeepers in Major League Soccer in 2013," said Roxburgh. "His consistency for us last season was vital in helping our club win the MLS Supporters’ Shield and we are pleased to reward him with a new contract.”
