NYCFC Continues To Overhaul Defense

RJ Allen - Courtesy NYCFC.

New York City Football Club are continuing to make moves to shape their defense for 2018.

On Monday, NYCFC announced that they have traded defender RJ Allen to Orlando City in exchange for a 3rd Round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2018.




Allen joined NYCFC in the May of NYCFC’s 2015 inaugural season and made his debut vs. Seattle which was the first of 53 Regular Season appearances over three seasons.

This continues the re-making of the NYCFC defense, as they signed Anton Tinnerholm from Sweden and Saad Abdul-Salaam, who was acquired from Sporting KC for Khiry Shelton.

Last week, NYCFC completed the signing of Brad Stuver from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for a 2019 4th Round SuperDraft pick.

The 26-year old goalkeeper becomes City’s third signing of the offseason, in addition to Tinnerholm and Abdul-Salaam.

Stuver said in a statement, “It feels great to be here after watching the Club develop over the last couple of years from afar – I’m very excited.

“My first experience of Yankee Stadium was my second professional game and you could just tell that the fans are dedicated to the team and that the city is behind this club – it left a lasting impression with me.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started in New York and working with (Rob Vartughian), Sean (Johnson) and Andre (Rawls), competing for that spot and improving together.”
Stuver joins Sean Johnson, who was the NYCFC starter this past season, and Andre Rawls in competition for the goalkeeper spot in 2018.

NYCFC Head Coach Patrick Vieira said, “Brad is coming to us from Columbus who are a team with a similar playing philosophy to us, so that will help him to adapt.

“You always want to bring in players who can challenge other players in their position because I strongly believe that’s how you get the best out of them, when they work hard every day and push each other to improve the team.

“We have three good goalkeepers who will work really hard to challenge each other and I’m really happy to welcome Brad to New York City and look forward to working with him.”

Stuver has made two MLS appearances for Columbus Crew, facing off against his new team in his second pro game on Decision Day at Yankee Stadium in 2016.

NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said, “Brad fits the profile of goalkeeper we wanted to bring to NYCFC. He is a good shot stopper with really good feet and will be an excellent addition to our club.

“We are getting a player who is motivated and excited to compete with our goalkeepers and, at the age of 26, will only continue to improve in the coming years. We are delighted to welcome Brad to the NYCFC family.”