Red Bulls Cut Ties With Four, Including Cepero

The New York Red Bulls announced on Friday that the club has waived goalkeeper Danny Cepero (pictured at right) as well as defenders Carlos Johnson and Walter Garcia. They also decided against picking up the option on midfielder Matthew Mbuta’s contract for the upcoming season.

“Unfortunately, the four players were not part of our plans moving forward,” said Red Bulls sporting director Erik Soler. “We wanted to quickly make our decision on their situations here so they can pursue other options. Danny [Cepero] is a very good professional and person and we appreciate his contributions to the club over the past three years. We wish him nothing but the best of luck in the future.”

Johnson, a 25-year-old Costa Rican international, made 13 appearances in his lone season with the Red Bulls and quickly became notorious for his uncanny ability to get ejected from games. He racked up three red cards last season, tied with Real Salt Lake defender Jamison Olave for the league lead, though Olave played in 12 more games than Johnson.

Garcia, another 25-year-old defender, played in just one game for New York during the ’09 season. Last month, the Argentine attempted to earn a contract overseas, but his recent trial with English League One side Leeds United was labeled as unsuccessful by the club’s manager.

Mbuta, a 24-year-old midfielder, made 12 appearances in a Red Bull uniform, scoring twice over the past two seasons. He spent time out on loan from the club last season, having separate loan stints with the Richmond Kickers and Crystal Palace Baltimore.

Cepero, 24, made 15 appearances for the club over the past two seasons, compiling a 3-9-3 record with a 1.92 GAA. Thrown into a starting role in late 2008 after regular ‘keeper Jon Conway was suspended, Cepero stepped up and helped the Red Bulls make a shock run to the MLS Cup final that year. He also gained notoriety in his debut when he became the first goalkeeper in MLS history to score a goal (credit an assist to the Giants Stadium turf). Relive that goal below: