Reserves axe forces Kassel to quit New York Red Bulls

Hot New York Red Bulls prospect Matt Kassel is leaving the MLS club.

Kassel is returning to Maryland for his sophomore season, rather than signing with MLS. The dismantling of the MLS's reserve-team comp has forced Kassel to leave New York - for now.

"Matt has not formally spoken to us about what he's doing next year. But we sat down with Matt in the offseason a couple weeks ago, and we thought it would be in Matt's best interests to continue in college, especially with no reserve league,'' said sporting director Jeff Agoos.

"We felt - and we still feel - he has a bright future with the Red Bulls. It was more of a timing issue.''

Agoos added: "We've invited Matt in to train with us when possible, likely the summer months. We strongly feel he's best served in college, especially getting the education afforded him at Maryland.''