by DAVE MARTINEZ

HANOVER, N.J. – While the New York Red Bulls are focused on the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal, they are also keeping an eye on 2016.

Case in point: Tyler Adams.

The 16-year-old New York Red Bulls academy player and USL standout has signed a senior team contract, making him an official part of the Red Bull first team.

“It’s good to have Tyler with us full time,” head coach Jesse Marsch said after practice on Tuesday afternoon. “I congratulated him this morning. He is a full time Red Bull player on November 1st. It’s good to have him with us now permanently.”

Adams played 808 minutes over 11 matches for New York Red Bulls II of the USL this season. He will be training with the club through November, but will not be eligible for selection this postseason.

He turns 17 this February.

As Marsch notes, New York continues to look towards their youth ranks to build the senior side. Stefano Bonomo and Devon Williams are also being given a deeper look by the club for a potential first team spot.

“Even though it’s obviously an important time of the year and we are chasing big dreams, the whole thing is about everyday moving this thing forward,” Marsch said. “Everybody growing and getting better.”