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Diaz Makes Move to Red Bulls

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 01/24/17, 10:58AM EST

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Former Red Bulls II goalkeeper latest to sign with MLS squad


Photo courtesy Harrisburg City Islanders

HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls announced on Tuesday they had signed goalkeeper Rafael Diaz to an MLS contract. Diaz becomes the second former New York Red Bulls II player to sign an MLS deal with the club following the signing of Dan Metzger on Monday.

"Rafi has done well to learn and improve over the last two seasons,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “He has proven to be a good professional and we look forward to him continuing his development with the club this season.”

Diaz, a native of Rockaway, N.J., has played 11 games in two seasons for a total of 819 minutes. Last year, the goalkeeper allowed just two goals in five appearances, completing three clean sheets.

Diaz finished 2016 with a goals-against average of 0.41, the best in USL amongst players with a minimum of five appearances.

Diaz, a Morris Hills High School graduate, was named New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and NSCAA New Jersey Player of the Year his senior year. Diaz also joined the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team for a period.

The goalkeeper competed in the PDL for the Jersey Express while also competing collegiately for St. John’s University. Diaz earned numerous undergraduate recognitions, and capped off his college career by starting all 20 matches as a senior and posting a 0.80 goals against average. He holds the school record for career shutouts with 32.

After college, Diaz signed his first professional contract with then USL side Orlando City SC in 2014. After one season with Orlando, Diaz joined the New York Red Bulls for preseason in 2015 and signed with Red Bulls II. 

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