The Premier Development League released their schedule last month, revealing a mystery New York team within their fixtures.

EOS has learned that team will be the New York Red Bulls U-23 side.

The 2014 NPSL champions are switching leagues, leaving their division to join the ranks of PDL.

The Red Bulls U-23 team went undefeated last season, garnering an impressive 12-0-0 record, edging the historic Brooklyn Italians for the top of the league table by six points. After beating the Italians in the Regional Semifinals, Red Bull went on to win the Regional Final, National Semifinal, and finally, took the NPSL Championship against Chattanooga at Red Bull Arena.

Historically, the Red Bulls’ NPSL side has been used to give the team’s Academy players and their college athletes a competitive environment to maintain fitness and increase in-game experience. It also serves as a transitional state for Homegrown players to maintain their status.

In total, that will be the team’s same function in the PDL, offering another tier of training and experience within the club’s player pyramid. Contrast that to the USL’s ‘Red Bulls II’ team, which will bridge a direct gap between the first team and the club’s pro reserves.

New York are currently finalizing their PDL agreement and will announce the team in the coming weeks. They will likely claim Red Bull Training Facility in Hanover as their home grounds.

Red Bulls PDL open their season on May 15th at F.A. Euro.