MATT KREMKAU - EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by ANTHONY J. MERCED

In an era where speed and strength are seemingly the most lauded characteristics in athletes, “slowing down” has been one of the keys to Alex Muyl’s rise within the New York Red Bulls.

“I’m known now as a player who is a workhorse,” said Alex Muyl after Sunday’s game against the New England Revolution. “It’s about slowing down and making plays. I want to be a player who is known for quality as well.”

Since Lloyd Sam’s departure from the team, Alex Muyl has taken over the right wing position and, despite being rough around the edges, cemented his spot over players like Gonzalo Veron and Shaun Wright-Phillips. In 21 games, 12 being starts, Muyl has racked up one goal, four assists while taking a whopping 24 shots on goal.

“Alex has done some many things to establish himself in our team,” said head coach Jesse Marsch. “We’re continuing to challenge him to slow down at certain moments. When he’s in and around the goal and in the attacking third can he just have a bit more poise and then put together a bit more quality plays.”

Marsch’s staff has had their eye on Muyl for quite some time. The homegrown player was with Georgetown University from 2013 to 2015, scoring 12 goals and grabbing 25 assists over 62 games. Muyl’s success has been a key point in Curtis and Marsch’s plan to have more homegrown players integrated into the team. This includes the strong work of Sean Davis, who has emerged as a strong replacement for Dax McCarty during his latest injury spell.