Eric Alexander to join New York Red Bulls

Added by Guest on February 12, 2013.

Image courtesy of portlandtimbers.com

HARRISON, NJ – The New York Red Bulls have made a splash in the trade market on Monday, acquiring talented midfielder Eric Alexander from the Portland Timbers in exchange for allocation money.

Alexander joined the MLS in 2010 after being acquired by New York Red Bulls chief rival FC Dallas in the MLS SuperDraft. In total, Alexander made 47 appearances for FC Dalas before being traded to the Portland Timbers in 2011 for Midfielder/Right Back Jeremy Hall. He appeared in 31 games for Portland, 25 of which came in the 2012 season where Alexander led the team with six assists.

Alexander adds depth to an already solid New York midfield. English football veteran Tim Cahill and American Dax McCarty have shouldered most of the New York midfield load since Cahill’s signing in July of 2012. Alexander brings a lot to the table, offering to either strengthen the controlling midfield by playing along side Cahill and McCarty, or playing in a rotation role with either player.

Alexander has also had a taste of international football, as he was called up by the US Men’s National team to earn his first cap in January of 2011 vs Chile. Alexander was drafted in the 3rd round (44th overall) in the MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Indiana.

This is a move in the right direction for the New York Red Bulls as they get set to begin the 2013 campaign. An experienced and strong holding midfield will only bolster the sides chances to walk away with some silverware come the end of the season.

-Brian Dowling

You can follow Brian Dowling on twitter @DoubleGNYRB