Star midfielder Lewis Morgan will be absent from the New York Red Bulls’ highly anticipated home opener this weekend. The setback comes after he sustained an injury during a recent training session, leaving fans and teammates wondering about the extent of his absence.
Details surrounding the injury, including its nature, severity, and expected recovery timeline, remain shrouded in mystery. The unexpected turn of events forced 20-year-old forward Mohammed Sofo, with only one MLS appearance under his belt, to step into Morgan’s shoes for the clash against Nashville SC on Saturday night.
Morgan, 28, had been riding high on a wave of success following a remarkable comeback season in which he netted 13 goals and clinched Major League Soccer’s Comeback Player of the Year accolade. However, his stellar performance was cut short last year due to a hip injury that necessitated surgical intervention, limiting his participation to a mere six matches across all competitions in 2023.
Despite receiving lucrative offers from European clubs, Morgan made the decision to extend his contract with the Red Bulls for an additional two years, with further options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. In a recent interview with amNewYork, he expressed his loyalty and commitment to the team, highlighting his desire to continue the journey with his current teammates and strive for greater success.
Reflecting on his decision to remain with the Red Bulls, Morgan shared, “I’ve been in football long enough to know that you don’t need to jump away from something if it’s good, you know? I mean, we made MLS Cup Final last year and to try and go one better with the same group of guys is a challenge that excited me. I love living here. My girlfriend is from here. All of that stuff matters. I also feel like I’m coming into my prime now. So I wanted to make sure that Red Bull were getting me as I was coming into my prime so I could try and give back to the club that stuck by me through the injury year in 2023. We’ve both been good for each other.”
As fans eagerly await Morgan’s return to the pitch, his absence serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience required to navigate its highs and lows. Stay tuned for more updates on the Red Bulls and Lewis Morgan’s journey at AMNY.com.
