Red Bulls Name Rafael Gonzalez Goalkeeper Coach

HARRISON, NJ (Feb. 11, 2013) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they named Rafael González goalkeeper coach.

“Rafa is a very experienced professional, with over two decades in soccer both as a player and a goalkeeper coach. We think he is a very strong addition to our coaching staff,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “His knowledge in working at the highest levels in soccer will be beneficial in assisting the development of our three young goalkeepers."

González, 42, was most recently a goalkeeper coach for Spanish La Liga side, Málaga. Prior to that, González was with English Premiership team, Aston Villa from 2007 to 2012, working with the club’s First Team and Academy goalkeepers during his tenure.

González joined the coaching ranks following a successful playing career. He started his career in 1990, featuring for Spanish Side Real Avilés. He then spent five seasons starting in 1992 with La Liga club Real Oviedo before moving to Málaga, where he made 75 total appearances from 1997-03. He also had stints with Spanish sides Cultural Leonesa (2003-04) and Sporting Gijón (2004-05) and England’s Coventry City (2006-07) before retiring. González also played with Oviedo for a second time in the 2005-06 season.