Connor Faello, an 18-year-old from Plainview, recalls the 'amazing' night of his MLS debut with the Red Bulls

Call it opportunity intersecting with preparation. Timing converging with circumstance.

Practice was wrapping up at the Red Bulls’ practice facility in Morris Township, New Jersey, one late September day and coach Michael Bradley had a piece of news that he wanted — no, needed — to share with Connor Faello.

The Red Bulls were heading into a meaningful match against St. Louis City SC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Sept. 30. The Red Bulls were trying to strengthen their grip on eighth place in the MLS’ Eastern Conference, in order to host a one-game playoff against the ninth-seeded team, whereas St. Louis, the Western Conference power, was trying to round its game into form for what it believes will be a long run in upcoming MLS playoffs.

Alas, the Red Bulls were going to be shorthanded. Eight players were not with the squad due to their obligations for their national teams, and Bradley needed to have a full lineup at his disposal.

And so, a decision was made: Faello was going to dress for the game. It was going to be the first MLS match for the 18-year-old from Plainview, who just a few months earlier had signed a two-year contract with the Red Bulls’ MLS NEXT Pro team, Red Bulls II.

“He told me that I was going to be on the roster,” Faello, the self-described hybrid defender, recalled in a phone interview with Newsday. “It was amazing that I got to get a spot on the roster that night and then I ended up making my MLS debut.”

Faello played 27 minutes in a 3-0 loss for the Red Bulls. For those who know him, they believe that was just a first glimpse — a trailer for upcoming events.

“He has such a drive. He has a passion for the game. He’s always wanted to learn, always wanted more information,” Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK boys varsity high school soccer coach Christine Ho said.

According to Ho, Faello was brought up to the junior varsity squad as an eighth grader before playing for the varsity teams in his freshman, sophomore and junior years. He transitioned to the Red Bulls’ Academy team before his senior year. “He was a hard worker and obviously the talent was always there," Ho said. "He had the drive to just want to be better every single time he stepped out on the field.”

Ho’s analysis was echoed by James Kelch, the director of operations and boys under-15 to under-18 academy director at SUSA Academy. Following the end of the high school season, Faello would play for the Central Islip-based team.

“He’s just a supreme athlete. He’s absolutely rapid. He’s a great competitor and he can run all day,” Kelch said. “He’s just got this competitive streak when he gets on a field. He can compete."

Regardless of the sport, players and coaches and executives marvel at skill and athleticism. But they are also quick to point out there is the mental side to the game which needs to be developed.

And to hear Red Bulls II coach Dominik Wohlert, Faello needed additional time with the organization’s academy team following training camp to “build confidence.” Which Wohlert was quick to point out is not an unusual occurrence for players attempting to advance to another level of competition.

“It was more from a mentality standpoint, from a confidence standpoint I would say,” Wohlert said. “We had multiple conversations where it was [like], 'Connor, just play the same way you play for the under-18. Nothing changed. The field is the same. The goals are the same size. Yeah, it’s a bit different [teammate-wise] but actually you know all these guys. So be brave. Step on the field and try to have an impact on your team in these sessions.’ " 

Faello heeded the advice.

He debuted with Red Bulls II in a 4-1 win over the Columbus Crew 2 on April 26 at Montclair State University’s Soccer Park at Pittser Field, and played 28 minutes. Since then, Faello has played in 18 games for Red Bulls II, starting 12. He has an assist and an 81% pass completion rate in 1,161 minutes played, while not allowing a goal.

“It’s been going really, really well,” Faello said. “I’ve been really, really happy with the season so far.”

So, too, is Wohlert.

“How quick he was able to adapt to the new level and the new quality, that’s really, really special,” Wohlert said. “Really happy for him that he was able to get his first minutes in MLS.”

Which fueled the desire for more.

“It’s pretty simple,” Faello said. “Keep working hard and obviously at that level you have to do really well to earn the position of being on that team full time. It’s more of a hard work thing and just kind of keep going. Training has been amazing. Training with the first team, players like [Hicksville’s] Tim Parker and [Massapequa’s Dylan] Nealis have been pretty special.”