Curtis Ofori

Curtis Ofori
Personal information
Full name Curtis Ofori
Date of birth (2005-11-20) November 20, 2005 (age 19)
Place of birth Hopewell Junction, New York, United States
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position(s) Left-back
Team information
Current team
 New York Red Bulls
Number 24
Youth career
Wappingers Lightning
2017–2022 New York Red Bulls
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021– New York Red Bulls II 65 (2)
2023– New York Red Bulls 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of March 25, 2024

Curtis Ofori (born November 20, 2005) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left-back for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls.

Club career

Born in Hopewell Junction, New York, Ofori first began playing soccer at the age of three in nearby Wappingers Falls.[1] He would later join the Wappingers Lightning, a club team coached by his father.[1] In 2017, Ofori was recruited into the youth setup of the New York Red Bulls, joining the club's under-13 side.[1] He progressed through the ranks of the academy and began playing for the under-19's in 2020, scoring his first goal for the side against Cedar Stars Monmouth.[2] With the Red Bulls academy, Ofori scored a total of 5 goals in 67 matches.[1]

New York Red Bulls II

On March 22, 2021, Ofori signed a professional contract with New York Red Bulls II, the reserve affiliate of the New York Red Bulls in the USL Championship.[3] He was the youngest professional signing in Red Bulls II history, joining the club at the age of 15 years and 122 days old.[3] Prior to signing, Red Bulls II head coach John Wolyniec stated that Ofori had trained with Red Bulls II the previous season.[3]

Ofori made his senior debut for New York Red Bulls II on May 7, 2021, against the Charleston Battery, coming on as a late-substitute in the 1–1 draw.[4]

New York Red Bulls

On December 1, 2022, it was announced that Ofori had signed a homegrown contract with the New York Red Bulls, starting from the 2023 season.[5] On July 30, 2022, Ofori made his first team debut in a friendly match against FC Barcelona, resulting in a 2-0 loss.

International career

Born in the United States, Ofori is of Ghanaian descent.[6] While with the Red Bulls youth academy, Ofori was selected to be part of the roster for the United States under-14 boys national talent identification east team in April 2019.[7]

Career statistics

As of match played January 6, 2022[8]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
New York Red Bulls II 2021 USL Championship 14 0 — — 14 0
2022 USL Championship 27 0 — — 27 0
2023 MLS Next Pro 6 0 — — 6 0
2024 MLS Next Pro 18 2 — — 18 2
Career total 65 2 0 0 0 0 65 2

References

  1. ^ a b c d Martelli, A.J. (March 25, 2021). "Hopewell Junction teen Curtis Ofori signs pro soccer deal with Red Bulls' affiliate". Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  2. ^ "15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Soccer Player Signs With Red Bulls". WPDH. March 23, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "SOME YOUNG IDEAS: Ofori (15 years, 122 days) signs with Red Bulls II, youngest in franchise history". Front Row Soccer. March 22, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  4. ^ "New York Red Bulls II 1–1 Charleston Battery". Soccerway.
  5. ^ "New York Red Bulls sign defender Curtis Ofori to homegrown contract". Major League Soccer. December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  6. ^ "Wappingers' Curtis Ofori signs deal with Red Bulls, following in Tyler Adams' footsteps". Poughkeepsie Journal.
  7. ^ Eskilson, J.R. (March 22, 2021). "NYRB II sign 15-year-old Curtis Ofori". Top Drawer Soccer. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  8. ^ Curtis Ofori at Soccerway