For about an hour after the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft, the New York Red Bulls had one center-back under contract for 2019. FC Cincinnati had taken Hassan Ndam with its fifth and final pick of the draft; RBNY Sporting Director Denis Hamlett had released all the other specialist CBs on the 2018 roster at the end of the season - with the exception of starter Aaron Long.
The timely signing of Amro Tarek from Orlando City - announced within an hour or so of Cincy picking Ndam - prevented the Red Bulls’ center-back predicament from lingering long enough to be considered a crisis.