New York Red Bulls II hosts Sacramento Republic FC on Sunday, May 8, at MSU Soccer Park.
Giannis Nikopolidis will make his second start of the season for New York. The first-year goalkeeper made his professional debut on April 2 at FC Tulsa.
Juan Castillo, Christopher Cragwell, and Daniel De Leon will anchor the back line for Red Bulls II. Castillo, who is the only player to start every match this season for New York, will wear the captain’s armband for the first time in his career.
Cameron Harper and Curtis Ofori will likely serve as wingbacks. Harper is making his first start of the season after making his 2022 debut against Detroit City FC on April 30. Ofori returns to the starting eleven after participating in the Generations Addidas Cup and the United States U-19 Youth National Team camp.
Sam Williams and Steven Sserwadda will make up the defensive midfield.
Jeremy Rafanello, the team’s leading scorer, will serve as an attacking midfielder, making his seventh start of the campaign.
The two forwards will be Jordan Adebayo-Smith and Jonathan Filipe.
New York’s bench consists of Derrek Chan, Jason Pendant, Michael Knapp, Wiki Carmona, John Murphy, and Illia Tyrkus.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN+.
