Matthew Nocita (born April 24, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who last played as a defender for MLS side New York Red Bulls.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Nocita | ||
| Date of birth | April 24, 2000 | ||
| Place of birth | Porter Ranch, California, United States | ||
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | New York Red Bulls | ||
| Number | 3 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2018 | Real So Cal | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2018–2022 | Navy Midshipmen | 59 | (6) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2022– | New York Red Bulls | 1 | (0) |
| 2022– | New York Red Bulls II | 18 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of August 23, 2023 | |||
Youth and College
editNocita attended Oaks Christian School, where alongside soccer he competed in track and field and lacrosse while in high school. Nocita earned Academic First Honors in 2015 and 2016, while garnering Academic Highest Honors in Fall 2016 and Head Masters List in Spring 2017.[2] He also played club soccer for USSDA side Real So Cal.[3] In December 2016, it was announced that Nocita had committed to attending the United States Naval Academy.[4]
During his college career, Nocita made 59 appearances for the Midshipmen, scoring six goals and tallying two assists. He earned numerous accolades for the Navy during his time at college, been named a three-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 FCAC Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American.[2]
Professional
editOn January 11, 2022, Nocita was drafted by the New York Red Bulls as the 7th pick of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, after they traded up twice to acquire the pick.[5] Following his selection, Nocita was required to apply to delay his Navy service to allow him to play professional.[6] On August 25, 2022, Nocita signed a contract with New York Red Bulls.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ "Matt Nocita". New York Red Bulls. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
- ^ a b "Matt Nocita - Men's Soccer". Naval Academy Athletics.
- ^ "U.S. Soccer Development Academy". www.ussoccerda.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- ^ "Recruiting Roundup: December 19–25 | High School Soccer News". TopDrawerSoccer.com.
- ^ "RBNY land Matthew Nocita after SuperDraft trades with Chicago, Montréal | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
- ^ "Matt Nocita permitted to delay Navy service - MetroStars / Red Bull New York - Major League Soccer". www.metrofanatic.com.
- ^ "New York Red Bulls sign SuperDraft pick Matt Nocita". MLSsoccer.com. Major League Soccer. August 26, 2022.
- ^ Bulls, New York Red. "New York Red Bulls Sign 2022 First Round SuperDraft Pick Matt Nocita". New York Red Bulls.