New York Red Bulls

THE BASICS:

• New York Red Bulls (NY)
• Eastern Conference
• Home: Red Bull Arena

HONORS:

• 2013 Supporters' Shield
• 2015 Supporters' Shield

NYREDBULLS.COM:

• Tickets
• Schedule
• Jerseys/Gear

2016 Storylines

At the start of 2015, the thought of some nebulous 300-page plan not only saving, but elevating the New York Red Bulls seemed far-fetched. That sentiment was on full display at the now infamously contentious town hall event last January that ushered in the new era of head coach Jesse Marsch and GM Ali Curtis.

By the end of the season, however, the Red Bulls fanbase did a 180 – in no small part thanks to the success of the Supporters' Shield-winning 2015 season. New York went younger. They established continuity. They exploited the advantages of their USL partnership. They implemented an identifiable style. They maintained a predictable starting XI, while cultivating young bench options.

But most of all – they won.

A lot.

Dax McCarty

This season is Year Two of "The Plan" – and Ali Curtis' 300-page blueprint is no longer a punchline. The Red Bulls doubled down on their initiatives during the winter break, signing an unprecedented number of Homegrown Players from their vaunted academy system. In fact, the number of Homegrown signings (seven) far outweighed the club's transfer acquisitions (Gideon Baah is the only out-of-market player signed this preseason) – a first for any MLS club. Furthermore, Curtis and Marsch managed to not only retain, but extend the stay of several key veterans, including captain Dax McCarty, midfielder Mike Grella and goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Now the question remains: Is it enough? After all, even the best teams around the world look to improve their roster through the transfer market – even the great teams.

That strategy will be put to the test this season. The Red Bulls return the core group from 2015 and it's good enough to keep them in the conversation as it pertains to potential MLS Cup contender status. Still, with the physical demands of Marsch's geggenpress system, the young Homegrown players will be forced to play a pivotal role within the construct of the defending Shield champions. Depending on the club's health and standing, the Homegrown contributors could very well spell the difference between home-field advantage in the playoffs and a Knockout Round berth.

That is the risk New York's braintrust is taking. At worst? They will find themselves woefully underserved with their depth options, forcing them to be more active in the summer window. However, the club sees this year's crop of academy players as a special breed – one that, perhaps, can make an immediate impact on the MLS Cup chase this season, and a prolonged impact on the face of the franchise for years to come.

Armchair Analyst's Take

The Red Bulls still have their front six, and they still have arguably the best goalkeeper in the league (Luis Robles), and in 19-year-old forward Anatole Abang, they have a guy who I think could end up being a breakout player. They have a new club in the bag as well, after experimenting with a 4-2-2-2 throughout preseason. But losing that Matt Miazga/Damien Perrinelle partnership in the center of defense is a bigger deal than I think most recognize, because those guys were both 1) super aggressive in compressing space, and 2) super in-tune with each other. Partnerships make for winning soccer, and almost everything that went right for RBNY last year started with that partnership in the back.

Above and beyond everything else, that’s what this upcoming season rests upon in Harrison: Can Marsch find the right combo in the heart of the defense? If the answer is “yes,” then they’ll be an excellent team again. If it’s "no," then they’ll take a step backwards no matter how well the rest of the team plays.

Key Offseason Transactions

Player to Watch: Luis Robles

The reigning Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year is a human highlight reel who's finally getting the national recognition that's been a long time coming.

Projected Lineup (4-5-1):

Robles -- Lade, Baah, Zubar, Lawrence -- Sam, McCarty, Kljestan, Felipe, Veron -- B. Wright-Phillips

Fantasy Soccer

After taking home the Supporters' Shield, New York have made few changes over the offseason, so continue to look to Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.0m) and Damien Perrinelle ($7.5m) to anchor the Red Bulls on offense and defense. You’ll also want to keep an eye on Dax McCarty ($9.0m) as the new fantasy points system should lead to a jump in his point generation.

SLEEPER PICKS:

• Ronald Zubar
• Mike Grella