April 2003 was an eventful time for sports fans alike. Michael Jordan played his final NBA game, Carson Palmer was selected first overall in the NFL Draft and Carmelo Anthony and Syracuse won the National Championship. On the 28th of that month, a familiar face for Red Bull New York fans came into this world.
The player born on that day ended up being midfielder Daniel Edelman. The Warren, New Jersey native has been a fan-favorite for many, especially myself.
It really comes down to three things that makes this young player one of my favorites in Major League Soccer (MLS). First, I was born in 2003 and second, I have lived in New Jersey all of my life just like Edelman. The other involves a strange connection.
During my time at Seton Hall Prep, I played high school football with a guy who was friends with Edelman. With all that in mind, I have always been fascinated with his career and his journey with Red Bull.
Over the past few seasons, Edelman had grown into a key piece for New York. Famously, his game-winning penalty kick vs the Columbus Crew in Game 2 of Round One of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs is what he’s best remembered for.
Additionally, Edelman has been cited as one of the best young players in the league, having been named to the 22 Under 22 MLS list in 2023 and 2024. Funny enough, in the first match I covered the team in with ONNJ, Edelman scored the first of five goals for New York against New England last July.
However, notice the use of the word “had” earlier in the piece. On Tuesday, it was officially announced that the 22-year-old would be traded to the “Gateway to the West,” and will now play for St. Louis CITY SC.
That’s right, Edelman will now play for a team in a city known for many things. The Gateway Arch, Panera Bread, blues music, Nelly, the Cardinals, etc.
In return for Edelman, New York will receive up to $850,000 in total General Allocation Money (GAM). $500,000 in 2026, $200,000 in 2027 and $150,000 if certain performance metrics are met. Furthermore, Red Bull will retain a percentage of sell-on rights.
“We thank Daniel for his contributions to our club and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career,” said Head of Sport Julian de Guzman in a press release Tuesday. “He has represented our club with the utmost professionalism and dedication, and we appreciate everything he has done for the organization.”
I didn’t know Edelman personally, but having gotten the chance to interview him last year as a college student during Media Day was a cool experience. Seeing someone my age fulfilling a life-long dream of theirs is always something special to watch.
There have been a lot of conversations the past few days over the relationship between media and coaches or players. This, of course, being highlighted on Sunday between a reporter and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen.
Even as Edelman heads west to St. Louis, I will be rooting for the guy. Come September 26 when St. Louis travels to Harrison to face Red Bull at Sports Illustrated stadium, it should be a fun homecoming for the young midfielder.
