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USL New York Red Bulls II

Inside the 18: 15-Year-Old Alan Rutkowski to Start in Net, Omar Valencia to Make Club Debut

October 1, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New York Red Bulls II News Release


New York Red Bulls II will travel to face Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, October 1, at Wild Horse Pass.

Red Bulls II will take on Phoenix for the first time in club history, marking the ninth and final time this season that it will face a first-time opponent. The match also is the start of a three-match road swing to end the season for New York, matching the longest streak to end a regular season (2017, 2019).

For the first time in club history, two 15-year-old players are part of the starting lineup.

Red Bulls Academy goalkeeper Alan Rutkowski will get the start in net and make his professional debut. The 15-year-old will become the youngest goalkeeper in club history to start a match.

Omar Valencia will make his club debut in the match, starting along the backline with Matthew Nocita, Yostin Salinas, and O'Vonte Mullings. Valencia is on loan from Panamanian first division club C.D. Plaza Amador.

In the defensive midfield, 15-year-old Nate Worth will get the start alongside Michael Knapp. It will mark Worth's second start in New York's last three matches.

Red Bulls II's attacking options will consist of Erick Ruiz, Jonathan Filipe, Henry Wise, and Jordan Adebayo-Smith.

Lamine Conte, Daniel De Leon, Davi Alexandre, Curtis Ofori, Bento Estrela, and John Murphy will comprise the bench tonight for Interim Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya. Giannis Nikopolidis will serve as the backup goalkeeper.

Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+.

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