HARRISON, NJ (January 9, 2014) – The New York Red Bulls announced on Friday that club has signed midfielder Lloyd Sam to a contract extension and have purchased playing rights to defender Ambroise Oyongo on permanent basis from Rainbow FC Bamenda. Per club and league policy, terms of both deals were not disclosed.
“Lloyd has been a key player for this club the past few seasons and we’re very excited to have him in a Red Bull uniform for the coming years,” said Sporting Director Ali Curtis. “Lloyd is a very dynamic player on the wing and provides a great attacking threat for us.”
“Ambroise is a promising and versatile young player that adds value at multiple positions and showed he has the ability to defend and get forward in the attack,” said Curtis.
Sam’s 32 starts in 2014 led all New York field players and his 32 overall appearances were tied for second with Bradley Wright-Phillips. In 32 appearances, Sam scored four goals and added nine assists. The midfielder’s nine assists were tied for second on the team.
The Englishman scored two game-winning goals and added three game-winning assists in 2014, including a 90th minute game winner against D.C. United on September 10th at Red Bull Arena in a 1-0 win. Sam started all five playoff games for New York in 2014 and recorded one assist as the Red Bulls advanced to the Conference Final for the first time since 2008.
Oyongo, who was on loan in 2014, made 13 appearances, including 11 starts and recorded three assists in his first full season in MLS. The defender also appeared in all five playoff games (two starts) for New York and recorded one assist.