New York Red Bulls II will host Hartford Athletic on Wednesday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET with coverage available on ESPN+.
Match Notes
Continuing the Local Rivalry – New York and Hartford will meet for the 12th time in their history and second time this season. Hartford took the meeting in May 3-2, behind a goal from Corey Hertzog in second half stoppage time. The match will mark the first trip to MSU Soccer Park for Hartford since September 4, 2021, a match that New York won 2-0.
50 for Adebayo-Smith – Jordan Adebayo-Smith made his 50th career USL Championship appearance in Red Bulls II’s last match on August 28 against Birmingham Legion FC. The forward has appeared in 25 matches this season on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, where he made 25 appearances last season. He currently leads New York with five goals this season.
Strong Play from Nikopolidis – First year goalkeeper Giannis Nikopolidis has been accumulating strong performances in net for New York. He has started the last nine matches for the club, totaling 42 saves and a clean sheet during that span.
Last Time Out
New York fell to Birmingham Legion FC, 3-1, on Sunday, August 28 at Protective Stadium. Jordan Adebayo-Smith scored his team-leading fifth goal of the season in the 25th minute on a penalty kick. Giannis Nikopolidis tallied eight saves in the contest.
Hartford defeated FC Tulsa, 2-1, on Wednesday, August 24, at ONEOK Field. Ariel Martínez and Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. scored for Hartford, moving the duo into a tie for second on the team in goals with Prince Saydee at three.
Important Numbers
2 – Hartford has won two out of its last three matches entering Wednesday night’s clash.
4 – Four of the last five meetings between New York and Hartford have seen four or more combined goals.
6 – Wednesday’s match will mark the sixth meeting between the clubs since the beginning of the 2021 season.
