HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls announced on Monday it had signed former New York Red Bulls II midfielder Ben Mines to an MLS contract. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native joined the Red Bulls Academy as an Under-14 player, and is the seventh Homegrown signing on the club’s current MLS roster.

“We are excited to welcome Ben,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “We have had the opportunity to have Ben around our professional teams for USL games and trainings. There is a lot of familiarity on both sides and we are glad to add another talent from the Red Bulls Academy to our professional team. This is an exciting day for the club, Ben, and his family.”

Mines made USL appearances as an Academy signing over the past two seasons, appearing in the club’s run to the 2016 USL Cup, including a substitute appearance as the side earned the championship at Red Bull Arena. Mines made 11 appearances in the 2017 USL season and scored two goals, including an insurance goal in the club’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinals victory against the Charleston Battery in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.

“It's an amazing feeling,” said Mines. “I've been playing here for four years. I love this club and it's a dream come true for me. I just want to keep developing as a player and potentially make my debut for the first team, and give my all to the club.”

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Through the first half of the 2017/18 academy season Mines made 11 appearances for the U18/19s and scored seven goals and eight assists while also playing for NYRB II. Mines won the Golden Boot at the 2017 USDA Generation Adidas Cup, when the Red Bulls finished third overall in the Champions Division, the toughest division in the tournament. 

“Ben is a good young man and a player with a lot of qualities that we like,” said Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “We're pleased to welcome him to the professional ranks and look forward to his development as he trains and plays with us every day.”