On April 30, 14 Special Olympics New Jersey athletes and Unified partners arrived at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. Their mission: get signed to the New York Red Bulls Unified team for the 2024 season. They sat down in the press room, next to the RBNY sporting director, signed their respective contracts, received a match kit with their names on it, and posed for the official team photographer. It was hard to pinpoint who was smiling harder: the players, coaches, or their families who were in attendance. “This was a fantastic experience for our athletes and partners to meet and build relationships”, said coach Kebrdle. “I love the whole Garden State being represented on one team.”
Less than two weeks later, on May 11, the team played their first match at the Red Bull Arena against New England Revolution Unified. It was a spirited back and forth on a wonderfully maintained pitch, and it ended in a 1:1 draw. Samuel Flores, who scored the goal for the New Jersey team, gave a succinct summary: “I passed, I shot, I scored”.
Signing Day 
Signing Day 
Signing Day (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Signing Day 
Signing Day (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified 
Samuel Flores: “I passed, I shot, I scored”. New York Red Bull Unified vs. Philadelphia Union Unified
For their second match the team flew with the New York Red Bulls first team to Denver, CO. Upon arrival they met the Colorado Rapids Unified Team at a mini golf park, and also visited the Aquarium. But they weren’t there just for socializing. The next day, July 13, after the MLS teams had finished their match at DSG Park, the Unified teams took to the pitch and went for it. RBNY players were on hand to cheer them on, but the Colorado team prevailed and won.
“The constant positive nature of all the athletes and partners reminded me how sports is a great outlet”, said coach Kebrdle. She added that “the experience of travel without their families is a really great life skill.”
Getting to know the Colorado Rapids Unified Team at mini golf (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Before the match (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Before the match (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Skills (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Skills (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Skills (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Support (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Fun at the Aquarium (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Fun at the Aquarium (photo by New York Red Bulls) 
Fun at the Aquarium (photo by New York Red Bulls)
Unified Partner Matthew Sosa, and athlete Samuel Flores, both from Union City, represented the East All-Stars at the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game in Columbus on July 23. Both teams were recognized on-field before the MLS All-Star Game. “Playing at the All-Star Game was an incredible experience, filled with excitement and energy that was truly unforgettable” reported Sosa. “Contributing to the team, I was able to grab an assist and create two key opportunities that led to goals, which was memorable.” Full match recap on the MLS website.
He continued “I’ve been actively involved with Unified Sports for three years, and as I head into my senior year of high school, this journey has been extremely rewarding. My biggest takeaway from this experience is the teamwork and the joy of being part of something greater than myself. Being involved in Unified Sports has not only enhanced my skills but also allowed me to build lasting friendships with all the people I have met along the way.”
Lest we forget: East All-Stars won 5 : 0.
The final match of the season was held on August 31, at home versus the Philadelphia Union Unified. Team and supporters arrived at the stadium early, and it felt a little bit like a reunion as they caught up with each other, sharing their summer experiences and how they were getting ready for the new school year. Some took advantage of the cornholing boards, while others played soccer on the parking lot.
As they finally were warming up inside the arena, all kitted up and ready to compete, they seemed to feel at ease on the professional pitch. Both with each other, and with their surroundings. As coach Kebrdle also noticed, the social aspect of participating in Unified Sports was front and center: “Like many special Olympic events the camaraderie and social bonding between all players is incredible.”
Philadelphia Union Unified put up a great fight, but Red Bulls New York Unified was stronger and won the match 2:0. In the end, the season could not have been more balanced: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss.
To cap an amazing day, both teams were honored on the pitch before the MLS match kicked off.
Pre-game fun 
Itching to play 
The special sauce 
NYRB Unified Alumni Brian Curci addressing the team 
In the tunnel 
Captains and referees 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
The medals 
Supporters 
New York Red Bull Unified vs Philadelphia Union Unified 
Now that’s a photo bomb! 
Ready to go on the pitch… 
…to be recognized as teams of the match.
Asked about her biggest takeaway from this experience, coach Kebrdle said “The higher you set the bar the harder our Special Olympics athletes and partners work to surpass it.”
Congratulations to all players, and thanks to all supporters, coaches, volunteers, the Red Bulls New York for the amazing experience, and MLS Exchange program for making this possible!