Transfer Tracker

New York Red Bulls sign SuperDraft pick Matt Nocita

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TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The New York Red Bulls have signed center back Matt Nocita through the end of the 2022 MLS season with options running from 2023-25, the club announced Thursday.

The 22-year-old defender was picked No. 7 overall by RBNY in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. He played collegiately at the United States Naval Academy and was a three-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year.

ā€œWe were really impressed with Matt in his time with Navy,ā€ sporting director Denis Hamlet said in a release. ā€œWe are looking forward to having Matt with us and having him help us accomplish our goals on the field.ā€

Nocita joins a center-back group at New York that includes US international Aaron Long, Andres Reyes, Sean Nealis and more. He notched six goals and added two assists in 59 starts for Navy.

ā€œWe have been really happy with what Matt has shown over the last month,ā€ head coach Gerhard Struber said in a release. ā€œWe are really excited to add him to our roster.ā€

As the stretch run hits another gear, the Red Bulls sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re pursuing a 13th straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.