Red Bulls ink former Rider standout Valot

Former Rider University men’s soccer standout Florian Valot has signed a firstteam contract with the Red Bulls, earning a promotion from the club’s NYRB II USL affiliate.

The Red Bulls announced the move on Wednesday pending receipt of Valot’s P-1 Visa.

“Florian has been really patient,” Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch said in a teamissued release. “For two years, we have watched him play really well with the USL team and we have known how talented he is.

“It is due time that we added him to the First Team. We are all very excited to have him in preseason, push him along in the first group and give him an opportunity to establish himself at the club.”

A native of Pau, France, Valot, 23, spent time in the Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco youth systems before making his way to Rider. Valot played two seasons under Charlie Inverso, compiling 13 goals and six assists in 34 appearances.

He singed with NYRB II in June of 2016 and impressed in two seasons for the second-division side. In 2017, Valot had career-highs in games played (32), goals (10) and assists (7).

“This organization has helped me grow not only as a player, but as a person and has prepared me for this next step of my career,” Valot said. “I would also like to thank my family, friends and teammates for the endless support through the entire season. Even though it is a dream come true, it has been a long journey and this is certainly not the end, but the beginning of a new one.”

The Red Bulls begin the 2018 MLS season on March 10 against the Portland Timbers at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Valot, however, could make his competitive debut prior to the opener since the Red Bulls are in the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League and face CD Olimpia of Hounduras at the end of February.