by ANTHONY J. MERCED

The offseason makeover has begun for New York Red Bull II.

The MLS reserve side will welcome back five players after exercising club options on their contracts. Field players Stefano Bonomo, Devon “Speedy” Williams, Dan Metzger, Konrad Plewa and goalkeeper Rafael Diaz will return to the team in 2016. However, the team also saw several players leave the team with some names being a bit of a shock. Colin Heffron, Bolu Akinyode, Alex Clay, Chris Tsonis, Frank Castellanos, Daniel Bedoya, James Thomas, Michael Da Fonte and Victor Manosalvas did not have their options renewed.

Bonomo and Williams joined midseason, with both producing on the field almost immediately. Bonomo made nine appearances for the team and scored three goals, three shy of the team lead held by Marius Obekop. Williams made eleven appearance and scored one goal from his midfield position. He also had three assists in a strong, yet short campaign.

On the other side of the coin, Tsonis finished second in team scoring last season with five goals and Michael Da Fonte saw significant minutes on defense all season long, making them surprise cuts for the club.

New York’s choice to not pick up these player options doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t return to the team. There is always the option of renegotiating contracts. However, it is more than likely that we have seen the end of their stay in a Red Bull uniform.