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Izzy Handy

@izzyhandy.bsky.social

5 followers 10 following 34 posts

Writer, Yankees, Jets, Red Bulls and Knicks enthusiast.

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Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Jan 29

Last year I interviewed, Hudson Valley Hammers' head coach Brandon Levine, really highlighting the value the US Open Cup has to these lower division sides.
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/bringing-d...

Bringing Down The Hammers: Introducing The Red Bulls' US Open Cup Opponents

A look at the inner workings and challenges of a local USL2 club

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Cooper Flax, Wake Forest, senior. Another NYCFC product, he's a skilled playmaker with great versatility. A real centerpiece player, one's who's passing, technical ability, & spatial awareness makes him the creative spark behind his team's offense. Ceiling: Mac Hermann contender

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Andrew Armstrong, Dayton, sophomore. Another A-10 standout, the Pompton Lakes native is coming off of a head turning 8 goal freshman season as a winger. Great accuracy, with decent power on the shot & speed. If he can step it up year 2 physically, serious golden boot contender.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Kamran Acito, Duke, senior. A lot of great NY/NJ players at Duke this year, but the NYCFC product could be the best defender in the country. At 6'3 he's got good size, he's very strong for his age, & he's will disciplined for the position. Duke could be a force this year.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Brady Boulanger, Marist, freshman. Big name in NYRB's academy, had a rough couple years due to injuries, but excellent field awareness that goes far beyond his age & defensive ability, that gives him a bright future at the CDM role. Keep an eye on for a HG deal in a few years .

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Daniel D'Ippolito, Fordham, senior. The Baldwin Place native, is getting serious buzz as one of, if not THE top senior in the country, even coming out of a mid major. A-10 midfielder of the Year, excellent offensive presence with great shooting and passing ability.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

Ransford Gyan, Clemson, sophomore. Two time national Gatorade high school PotY at St. Benedict's in Newark, the highest ceiling of any player in the country this year. Dribbling ability is professional quality, combined with a powerful right foot. Potential MAC Hermann, #1 pick

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 23

In addition to the Red Bulls, bit of a College Soccer fan, and there are a few interesting players from the NY/NJ area for this season, few names I'm keeping my eye on. Not exactly a hidden gems guy, so if you're familiar already you probably know these names.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 22

That said for a team on the wrong side of a tight playoff race with an open DP spot, it's extremely underwhelming. An over under of 0.5 starters for this season. Lack of investment, no back up plan for Werner, it's hard to view the window as anything other than a failure.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 22

These were needed signings or well earned promotions. Berggren figures to replace Carballo (though his late addition likely only give him 4-5 games after being integrated into the team), Marcucci's injury necessitated a depth move at GK, Rojas and Mosquera show intriguing promise

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Aug 22

To summarize the Red Bulls' transfer window (a thread):
Gustav Berggren (finally got his visa a month after signing)
Two purchases options exercised on Central American MLSNP loanees
Traded for a back up keeper

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Jun 23

MLS All-Star Game roster will be released a Wednesday, a few Red Bulls have cases for selection, but it's probably Carlos Coronel or bust.

All Star Game: Which Red Bulls Could Be Selected

The MLS All-Star Game roster is set to be announced on Wednesday, and a few Red Bulls have compelling argument for spots

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 31

Final match of a 9 game May for the Red Bulls against Atlanta United. Sofo and Bocagz looked like a striker partnership that could dominate the league one day on Wednesday, but Bocagz will probably return to the bench for this one.

Matchday Musings: Atlanta United

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 21

US Open Cup action tonight, Red Bulls need a win to lift morale after back to back defeats. Dallas has a lot of talented home grown players they could rotate into this one.

Matchday Musings US Open Cup Edition: FC Dallas

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 14

One day I hope to find someone who looks at me the way Hany Mukhtar & Daniel Edelman look at each other.
Red Bulls-Nashville tonight, look out for Nashville's quick transitions, Edelman to man mark Mukhtar, and if EMCM can replicate his LA performance:
metrosoccerreport.substack.com/p/matchday-m...

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 10

Red Bulls aren't as much of a mess as the Galaxy, but they're not in a great place either. The team's undergoing a radical identity change, and there are growing pains along the way.

Matchday Musings: LA Galaxy

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 10

Red Bulls-Galaxy MLS Cup rematch things to watch out for:
The Galaxy are down Paintsil and Pec for this one, should give much more freedom for the Red Bulls' fullbacks to push deeper down field. Also blows up LA's gameplan, and kills their ability to stretch out the backline.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 6

There’s no greater celebration of what soccer can or should be than the US Open Cup. A sport for everyone that we all have the right to take part in and where a school teacher or a fireman can theoretically step onto the same field as a World Cup winner as equals.

Matchday Musings US Open Cup Edition: Colorado Springs Switchbacks

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · May 3

Red Bulls taking on Messi and Inter Miami today. Things to look out for:
Will Schwarz use a classic Red Bull press to wear out an already exhausted Miami side?
Does Cam Harper stay in the winger role?
How heavily does Miami rotate after a rough midweek CONCACAF beating?

Matchday Musings: Inter Miami

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Mar 12

No Red Bulls were called up to the USMNT (not a surprise, with Tolkin gone there isn't an American left on the team with that kind of profile) but NYRB developed more players on this roster than any other club, as Tyler Adams, Tim Ream & Brian White all made their pro debuts with the Red Bulls.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Mar 9

Poor performance from the Red Bulls last night, by shout out to Carlos Coronel. Brilliant job from the keeper to salvage a point on the road. Good games from Eile and Sean Nealis as well.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Feb 22

It's kickoff day, match day 1, opening day, MLS is Back day, whatever you want to call it. The Red Bulls are up against Cincinnati, and there are more than a few things to watch out for:

Matchday Musings: FC Cincinnati

A slightly too lighthearted look ahead to the Red Bulls' upcoming fixture

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Feb 20

There was a lot to take away from coach Sandro Schwarz and the various players at Red Bulls' media day, but I think it's also important to highlight the fan experience, so here's my review of the new food options at Sports Illustrated Stadium this year.

The 2025 Review of the Red Bulls' Newest Concessions

There are a few new food options at Sports Illustrated Stadium for the upcoming season

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Feb 12

Old Bull Back on the Ranch: Tim Parker

A reintroduction and expectations for Red Bulls' signing Tim Parker

metrosoccerreport.substack.com

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Feb 12

So what to expect from Tim Parker:

Basically depth, this isn't the same guy he was in 2023, but still a great veteran presence and a solid physical defender who will find a decent number of minutes between the Red Bulls' crowded schedule.

Izzy Handy @izzyhandy.bsky.social · Feb 11

Monterrey, Chivas and Juarez is a fun Leagues Cup draw. Well really more so the first two. It'll be the first time the Red Bulls have played Chivas since the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, where we sadly lost 1-0 over two often frustrating legs.

I'm not bitter. Well maybe a little.