HARRISON, N.J. – Stefano Bonomo began the 2017 USL season having his patience tested by rehab from a sports hernia operation in March.

On Monday, the explosive ability the former Cal forward showed for the New York Red Bulls II in leading the club to its second consecutive USL Eastern Conference Final paid off as he was signed to an MLS contract for the 2018 season by the Red Bulls.

In his third season as a professional, Bonomo led the Red Bulls II with 13 goals, including three in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs. Averaging a goal every 99.2 minutes in the regular season, Bonomo had the best strike rate of any player in the league to reach double-digit goals in the 2017 season.

“First of all, I’d like to thank the first team coaching staff for the belief they’ve had in me ever since I joined the club three seasons ago, I am very grateful,” said Bonomo. “The excitement and emotions I’ve had since I found out they wanted to promote me to the first team are feelings I’ve never experienced before.”

“I know this is another step forward in my career but there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m enthusiastic and eager for the upcoming season and will put my head down and prepare as best as possible to help the team succeed in any way I can.”

READ MORE: Bonomo Buoyant in Leading Red Bulls II Surge

Bonomo has scored 21 goals in his three seasons with the Red Bulls II, but came into his own in 2017 following the loan of 2016 USL Rookie of the Year Brandon Allen to Minnesota United FC of MLS in midseason as he returned from injury. In 13 regular-season appearances, the 24-year-old recorded 15 key passes and notched 17 shots on goal while becoming the focal point of a Red Bulls II attack that ended the regular season with the second-highest scoring attack in the USL Eastern Conference.

Bonomo’s biggest performance of the year came in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs as he scored both goals – including an early strike in extra time – to lead New York to a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Field.

“We knew we had a good player in Stefano when we drafted him in 2015,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “He’s earned this chance with his play and with his attitude. He is a good attacking player and can score in a variety of ways. If he continues to work the way he has, he will continue to better himself and our team every day.”