Red Bull New York winger Dennis Nelich was given the difficult assignment of making his MLS debut at BMO Stadium, where Los Angeles FC has been dominant on home turf.
Although the Red Bulls lost 2-0, the 18-year-old can hold his head up high after playing the entire 90 minutes plus six minutes of stoppage time.
Nelich on His MLS Debut: ‘It Was a Very Cool Opportunity’
“I’m blessed to make my debut,” Nelich said after Wednesday’s match. “Obviously, it was a very cool opportunity to do it here in LA. Unfortunate to not get the result we wanted, but I’m just happy that I played the full game and helped the team out.”
Nelich and 19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone were added to Red Bull New York’s roster on short-term agreements hours before Wednesday’s contest. Kone was called into action and made his MLS debut in the 33rd minute after Adri Mehmeti suffered what appeared to be a leg injury.
After Nelich trained with Red Bull New York’s starters on Tuesday in Los Angeles, he was confident that his debut would come a day later under the bright lights of BMO Stadium.
“We had a training at night and I was on the starting team from then, so I kind of had it in my mind and kind of expected to start,” he said. “Then, in the morning, they confirmed the lineup and I was ready and I was excited.”
Nelich Took a Unique Path to MLS Compared To Most Red Bull New York Youngsters
The Brooklyn native, who grew up in Brighton Beach, joined the Red Bull New York Academy at a later age than several of his teammates. Many of them started their journey at the club’s regional development school around age seven and joined Red Bull New York’s academy as early as age nine.
Nelich joined Red Bull New York’s academy at age 16 from Met Oval Academy. He credited the coaches and teammates who helped him accomplish his MLS debut dream.
“They helped me out a lot,” he stated. “I’m not like these other young guys who have played in the academy for more than five years. I came when I was 16, so for them to really take me under their wing and push me to become better every single day, they helped me out a lot and I give credit to every academy coach that I’ve ever worked with.”
The tricky winger leads Red Bull New York II with 13 goal contributions (seven goals, six assists) this season. He thanked Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert for trusting him with an increased role.
Nelich has played 1,599 MLS NEXT Pro minutes across 23 appearances, which ranks fourth for the reserve side.
“Dom, especially giving me all these minutes this season, helping me build my game more and more — I’m really grateful for him, too.”
Michael Bradley: ‘Dennis Has Good Qualities, a Really Good Mentality’
Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley has frequently sat in the bleachers at Montclair State University’s MSU Soccer Park, keeping a close eye on Nelich and other emerging Red Bull New York II youngsters.
“Dennis has good qualities,” Bradley explained after Wednesday’s match in Los Angeles. “Dennis is a good young player that has moved himself along in a really good way over the last year and a half since I’ve been at the club. In this last period, he’s been one of the best players for the second team in terms of what he gives in terms of the goals, the assists, the work against the ball in terms of how he helps the team press.
“He has a really, really good mentality for a young player. He deserved the opportunity to play. For a first start against a team like LAFC in a stadium like this, there’s still a lot for him to feel good about. We’re going to continue to push him along and make sure that he’s taking the next steps as well.”
Nelich Looks To Build on His MLS Debut: ‘I’m Ready for Anything’
Now that Nelich has one MLS appearance under his belt, he’s ready for whatever’s next — whether that’s more opportunities with the first team or continued action with Red Bull New York II.
“Everything comes at you quick,” he said. “One day you’re playing second team and the next day you’re making your first team debut, so everything comes at me quick. I’m ready for anything to help out with the first team or the second team.”
Red Bull New York will next face the Columbus Crew on Saturday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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