FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Like so many other soccer players,
Jonathan Filipe had aspirations to continue his career beyond the collegiate level. The Connecticut native realized those aspirations when he took the field as a member of the New York Red Bulls organization, playing with the Red Bulls II in the USL.
"The Red Bulls have given me an incredible opportunity to follow my dreams and continue on the path that I have been on since I was 6 years old," Filipe said. "I am extremely excited to move forward and hopefully go even higher in the future."
Filipe joined the professional ranks after proving himself with the Stags program, finishing as one of the team's all-time leaders in every statistical category including goals scored (19), assists (9), and total points (47). He came off his best season as a member of the 2021 team, registering 10 goals and six assists for 26 points.
He was always one who was known for his ability to handle pressure situations which is why he excelled whenever he took a penalty kick. Filipe finished his career with six successful penalty kicks in as many attempts including five in his senior year. And, the midfielder was also known for his knack to find the back of the net with the game on the line as illustrated by his six career game-winning goals, starting with three in his freshman season with the Stags.
His success at the collegiate level was an important part of his ability to earn a spot on the Red Bulls II roster. He looks back at his Fairfield years as instrumental in bringing him to the professional level.
"Playing with Fairfield was an incredible experience that helped me learn and mature both as a player and as a person," Filipe said. "I am extremely grateful to my coaches and teammates that have always given me constant support. I could not have made it where I am today without Fairfield."
Filiipe already become a regular for the Red Bulls, playing in all four of the team's games to date with three of those appearances coming as a starter. He started his tenure with the organization as a starter in the season opener against Miami FC, came off the bench against Atlanta, and received the starting nod against Loudoun Utd. The forward is looking for his first goal but he has been relevant with several shots taken over his appearances. But what was most memorable was the first night he wore the Red Bulls uniform.
"It was an amazing experience," Filipe said. "Playing in that stadium with tons of fans was very thrilling. Although the game didn't go as we had wanted, it was still a great experience that will help us to move forward and grow over time. I really enjoy the Red Bulls style and I feel that I can really grow and develop this season."
The season will include 31 more games on the schedule which runs through October. The Red Bulls II will host two of their next three games, starting at FC Tulsa on April 2. The team will play at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. on April 15 (Rio Grande Valley) and April 23 (Tampa Bay Rowdies).
