Cristian Casseres Jr

BIOGRAPHY

Cristian Alfonso Cásseres was born January 20, 2000, in Caracas, Venezuela. He is a Striker in Major League Soccer.

Cásseres began his career in the youth ranks of Atlético Venezuela playing as a striker. After leaving Atlético he joined the youth ranks of Deportivo La Guaira and was converted into a midfielder. On September 27, 2016, he scored four goals for the Under 20 side of Deportivo in a 4–2 victory over his former club Atlético Venezuela.

On October 9, 2016, Cásseres Jr. made his professional debut for La Guaria at the age of 16 in a Venezuelan Primera División match against Atlético Venezuela, playing 33 minutes in the 3–3 draw. During the 2017 season, Cásseres became a fixture in the starting lineup for La Guaria due to his fine play. On May 10, 2017, Cásseres scored his first goal as a professional in a 3–1 victory over Zulia FC.  

On February 2, 2018, it was announced that Cásseres Jr. had signed with New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Cásseres Jr. was loaned to affiliate side New York Red Bulls II during March 2018. On March 17, 2018, he made his first appearance for Red Bulls II, appearing as second half substitute in a 2–1 victory over Toronto FC II in the opening match of the season. On June 9, 2018, he scored his first goal for New York, scoring on a penalty kick to help his side to a 4–2 victory over Charlotte Independence.

On August 29, 2018, Cásseres Jr. made his first team debut, appearing as a starter for New York Red Bulls in a 1–0 victory over Houston Dynamo. On April 6, 2019, Cásseres Jr. scored his first goal for New York in a 2–1 loss to Minnesota United. On November 8, Cásseres Jr. was named the New York Red Bulls Defensive Player of the Year for 2019.

Cásseres Jr. has featured regularly for his country’s U-17 team, playing at the 2017 South American Under-17 Football Championship.  In April 2017, Cásseres Jr. was called into training with the Venezuela under-20 team in preparation for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He made his national team debut on October 9, 2020 in a World Cup qualifier game against Colombia.