New York Red Bulls winger Cameron Harper has become an MLS veteran over the years and understands just how demanding the month of May can be for players. Currently the team is playing their fourth game in 11 days with no sign of relenting. After Wednesday game on the road in Nashville, the team travels back to play NYCFC on Saturday and then FC Dallas just a few days later in the US Open Cup.
“Most years the month of May is pretty tough,” said Harper when asked about how he prepares for the schedule grind. “Years past have kind of prepared me a little bit better in terms of that. It really does become a 24/7 job.”
Harper has been an important part to head coach Sandro Schwarz’s plans since he joined the club last season. Harper, who came over in 2021, has had to fight for his spot through several head coaches and depth charts. Now, he has become an essential part to the line-up when healthy. This past weekend he put the nail in the coffin of LA Galaxy, scoring off of the bench. He’s also had big goals against the likes of NYCFC in the past, showing that he is an important and dangerous option going forward for Red Bulls.
This season, Harper has been relied upon in his usual wing position as opposed to as a defender. His versatility was helpful last season when injuries struck the likes of Kyle Duncan. This season, Omar Valencia has stepped in to fill that gap, leaving Harper to play in his expected forward position, giving New York another major point of attack.
“When you have a squad of 20 guys who can all perform, it’s going to set us up really well,” said Harper. “With the way Wiktor (Bogacz) come on last game, the way Dennis (Gjengaar) came on last game, myself, all made a difference. I think that makes the coach have to make a few decisions where he can feel comfortable with bringing guys in or guys out. Especially when we are in a tough run of games.”
New York Red Bulls will travel to Nashville on Wednesday night, hoping to continue their run of good form. A win would be their third in a row in all competitions and fourth in their last five games.
photo by Matt Kremkau