Dax McCarty (Midfielder)

In a shock move on June 27, 2011, McCarty was traded to the Red Bulls from rivals, D.C. United. He became an instant starter for New York in central midfield upon his arrival at the club and was nicknamed the "Ginger Ninja" by teammates and supporters because of his light red hair. During the 2012 season McCarty had a breakout season for New York playing as a holding midfielder and was regarded as one of the top players on the team. He made 33 league appearances for the club and scored three goals and set up three others. He was also recognised as one of the most underrated players in the league during the 2012 season.

In the 2013 season, his contract was extended and saw him continue his fine play for New York throughout the season as he made 30 league appearances and scored four goals in helping the club to its first major title, winning the MLS Supporters Shield. 

Throughout the 2014 season, McCarty anchored the midfield during their run to the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals where they ultimately fell to the Revs. During this season, McCarty was also nominated for Goal of the Year. In December 2014, the Red Bulls turned down a large trade offer (multiple draft picks and allocation money) for McCarty from expansion club, Orlando City.

McCarty was named captain of New York on March 8, 2015, by the club's new coach, Jesse Marsch. During his first season as captain, McCarty appeared in a career-high 39 matches in all competitions and recorded another career-high with eight assists. His partnerships with Sacha Kljestan and Felipe helped form one of the strongest midfield trios in the league and helped lead New York to the 2015 MLS Supporters' Shield. Strong performances throughout the 2015 season, landed McCarty his first all-star appearance as well as his first appearance on Major League Soccer's Best XI of the season. On May 21, McCarty scored two goals in the Red Bulls 7–0 victory against New York City FC in the Hudson River Derby. It was the first two-goal game in his career. The following week against Toronto FC, McCarty became the second player in club history to make 150 league starts. After being eliminated from the playoffs by the Montreal Impact; McCarty appeared in his 198th game for the club and became the club's all-time appearance leader. McCarty left the Red Bulls ahead of the 2017 season moving to Chicago Fire. 

In total, Dax McCarty made 198 appearances for the Red Bulls, scoring 15 goals. He currently sits 4th in the all-time appearances record.