IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

The New York Red Bulls have made their first cuts of the preseason.

In a story published on NewYorkRedBulls.com, team communications specialist Eric Giacometti reports former Houston Dynamo defender AJ Cochran and former New York Red Bulls II forward Manolo Sanchez are no longer with the club. Both took part in the club’s training in Orlando, but will not be joining the team for the second stint in Florida.

Cochran, 23, was drafted by the Houston Dynamo 16th overall in the 2014 SuperDraft. He went on to play 26 matches over two season with the club, and was also loaned for a pair of matches to the USL’s Charleston Battery. The 6’2″ centerback came to the club at an ideal time with the transfer of Matt Miazga and the injuries to veterans Damien Perrinelle and Ronald Zubar, but still could not make his mark on the club.

Forward Manolo Sanchez, 24, was drafted by the Red Bulls last season, but spent most of his time with the reserve USL side, featuring in 22 matches and scoring four goals.

New York will continue evaluating Kenny Cooper into the Florida camp. They also continue to look at a mystery trialist at defense who should be returning to training this week.