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Inside the 18: 2022 SuperDraft Pick Matt Nocita Set to Make Professional Debut

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New York Red Bulls II will host Hartford Athletic on Wednesday, August 31, at MSU Soccer Park.

The match will mark the 12th all-time meeting between the clubs and the second this season. New York claimed the last meeting at MSU Soccer Park, 2-0, on September 4, 2021.

2022 MLS SuperDraft pick Matt Nocita will make his professional debut in the match, joining Davi Alexandre as the center back duo. Arian Recinos and O’Vonte Mullings will be the fullback pairing.

Recinos, a Red Bulls Academy player, will make his first professional start. Mullings will wear the captain’s armband.

Erick Ruiz and Michael Knapp will make up the defensive midfield for New York.

The club’s attacking options are Jordan Adebayo-Smith, Jonathan Filipe, John Murphy, and Jesús Castellano.

Derrek Chan will get the start in net for Red Bulls II, his first since May 21 at Indy Eleven.

New York’s bench will be comprised of Daniel De Leon, Lamine Conte, Curtis Ofori, Bento Estrela, and Stiven Plaza. Giannis Nikopolidis will serve as the backup goalkeeper.

Plaza is in the 18-man roster for the first time with Red Bulls II after being acquired on a free transfer from Real Valladolid.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+.