Former New York Red Bulls midfielder Frankie Amaya sat down with AJM Sports two weeks ago, before the news of his transfer to Toluca in Liga MX, to talk about how his career has progressed in MLS. The 23 year-old California native was the first overall draft pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and joined the newly minted FC Cincinnati. Through that time his career has traversed USL with Orange County, the middle of the country with Cincinnati and now the east coast with the Red Bulls.
Along the way Amaya has experienced highs and lows but emerged as a more well-rounded player that will now take his talents to a Toluca club looking to rebound after finishing second to bottom in the Clausura this past spring.
“California is my home,” said Amaya when reflecting on his journey. “It was hard to leave. Then I go to Cincinnati, far from home… Everything seems far and distant. I barely get to see my family.”
That focus on family is something that is distinct with Amaya. Many times we hear this story with American players who travel to Europe. Most notably, Landon Donovan spoke of the difficulties in adjusting to life in Germany. However the move away from family, especially when its important to your identity, can feel just as massive across a country as large as the United States.
“I come to New York, where I get a little more used to it. I’m older and more mature so it doesn’t feel as bad. I think being in New York I’m more comfortable and have a good time with the team.”
While Amaya hasn’t put up distinctive numbers statistically, he slowly became an important part of the New York Red Bulls when he was traded in 2021. Since then he appeared in over 100 games for the New York across all competitions. Combined with his time in Cincinnati and the 23 year-old was just two games shy of 150 games, quite an achievement for a player so young.
The environment hasn’t been the only changes Amaya has faced. Within New York along he’s played under three different head coaches. All of which have asked for different objectives. At one point Amaya was more of an attacking player. Under Sandro Schwarz, he took on more of a holding roll, helping to connect the midfield with the offense.
“It’s hard. Being in the league six years and having six or seven different coaches, I think it’s hard to adjusting and proving yourself every single time to a different coach. And getting the output every time. I’ve managed it pretty well. Sometimes I’ve had some bad moments with some coaches and it’s been difficult in my career but I think overall it’s been quite good just learning from all the experiences and having to do the same thing all over again.”
That won’t change for Amaya who now departs the club for an international club. While Toluca may not be a major destination, it represents a new journey for the young midfielder, one that he hopes will expand his horizons and bring him into a more well rounded player. Still, Amaya understands that he can never take his role for granted. While a starter with New York, he’ll have to earn his keep all over again in a competitive Mexican league.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been comfortable in my career. I don’t think I want to be at that point anymore. I’m always trying to work for my spot and keep my spot. It’s nice knowing the coach (Schwarz) has confidence in me. That really helps me but I think being in a comfortable position is not good for me.”
Amaya leaves a large hole in the midfield for the Red Bulls. One that Sporting Director Julian de Guzman has acknowledged will need to be filled. One thing is for sure, Amaya’s stay may not have been dotted with trophies, but he made an impact by solidifying a position and making each and every coach comfortable with their selection.
photo by Matt Kremkau