They might not be the most popular transactions in a fanbase known to call for big name stars, but with the signing of 14-year-old Bento Estrela last week, New York Red Bulls continued their tradition of bringing through academy talent into the first team professional level. Since 2008, Major League Soccer’s Homegrown Player Rule has attempted to help bridge the gap between local talent and the first division. The program that gives team’s first claim to players from their general area has had a hand in developing some of the best crop of current MLS talent, alongside some who have found success overseas, with New York being at the front of the trend.