New York Red Bulls Unified – 2018 Season Recap

August 29, 2018 Category: Events and Competitions Posted by communications

That’s a wrap for our 2018 Unified Sports Soccer Exchange!

Leveraging the power of sport, MLS, ESPN, and Special Olympics got together to promote an environment of social inclusion through Unified Sports. Through the Unified MLS Exchange program, Unified soccer teams participated in a first team MLS experience – providing athletes and Unified partners top-level training, competition and life experiences.

The New York Red Bulls, in partnership with Prudential Financial, Inc., signed 12 athletes and Unified partners from Special Olympics New Jersey to two-game contracts.

Team Roster

Head Coach – Nader Shenouda

Assistant Coach – Jack Boncales

Assistant Coach – Shannon Schafer

Season Highlights

On May 15, the RBNY Unified team headed the the Red Bulls Training Facility in Harrison to sign their season contracts and practice alongside first team players.

It's Signing Day at the @newyorkredbulls Training Facility! The Red Bulls Unified team signed their contracts, warmed up with the first team, and practiced on the turf field during this sunny day. Keep an eye out for updates on this upcoming season! #RBNYUnified @mlsworks

A post shared by Special Olympics New Jersey (@specialolympicsnj) on May 15, 2018 at 9:59am PDT

June 23 was Game 1 for the RBNY Unified team at the Red Bull Arena. They faced off against the FC Dallas Unified team, ultimately ending in a 1-1 draw.

Red Bulls Unified team is ready to go 🙌#RBNY | @SONewJersey pic.twitter.com/KouM1tEqek

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 23, 2018

On July 8, RBNY Unified traveled to Queens, NY for a round-robin tournament against NYCFC Unified.

Great day of soccer in NY today with the Unified @NewYorkRedBulls team facing off against the Unified @NYCFC team. After a successful Round Robin tournament, the teams now get to enjoy tonight's match at @yankeestadium! #PlayUnifiedLiveUnified #RBNYUnified #NYCFCUnified @MLSWORKS pic.twitter.com/bMQ7DL7SGf

— Special Olympics NJ (@SONewJersey) July 8, 2018

RBNY vs DC Unified at the Red Bull Arena on August 26 rounded out a great season of teamwork, inclusion, and the power of sport.

 

The most unforgettable moment was Nicholas Vales’ incredible goal – it was featured on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays on Monday, 8/27!

ICYMI: Nicholas Vales, a member of our @NewYorkRedBulls Unified team, was featured on @espn #SCtop10 last night. #GoalOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/vJqjbSgZoH

— Special Olympics NJ (@SONewJersey) August 28, 2018

As always, remember to check out all the photos on our Flickr page!

Photos