Jonny Steele has emerged as the first choice left midfielder for Mike Petke's New York Red Bulls to start the 2013 Season. After Real Salt Lake declined to pick up the Irishman's 2013 option due to Salary Cap constraints, Steele was unsure whether he wanted to continue and play in North America with several options in the UK and Asia. However, when the New York Red Bulls discussed with Stone Sports Management that the club was looking for a left midfielder to compete for a starting position, Steele became their number one target after Stone Sports Management set up a phone call between Coach Petke and Steele. Steele's performances and strong recommendation from past club coaches were enough for the Red Bulls to offer a contract.
Steele's hard work and quality play in the offensive third has placed him firm in the Red Bull's starting line up and putting him near the top of the Red Bulls' offensive statistics.
His play culminated in his first Red Bull tally (he also added an assist) starting in last weekend's home match against the league's current best defensive club - New England Revolution in a 4-1 win at Red Bull Arena. The performance was dedicated to his father back home in Ireland who recently suffered a stroke. Stone Sports Management wishes Mr. Steele all the best in his recovery and congratulates Jonny on a fantastic performance.
The timing was impeccable as BBC Ireland traveled to New York City to do a feature on the rising Irishman for those back in Northern Ireland. Author did a fantastic piece on Steele which has helped put Steele's name back on the N. Irish National Team's radar.
Make sure to click on these hyperlinks: BBC's video feature and related article, along with other recent media:
MLSsoccer.com's "Jonny Steele, Eric Alexander continue to impress New York Red Bulls as they transition out wide" by Franco Panizo
MLSsoccer.com's "New York Red Bulls' Jonny Steele dedicates stellar performance vs. Revolution to ailing father" by Franco Panizo
New York Post's "Red Bulls Jonny Steele earns start, mauls Revs" by Brian Lewis
Empire of Soccer's "Red Bulls Jonny Steele talks tattoos, his road to New York" by Dave Martinez