HARRISON, NJ (Feb. 17, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that the team has waived defender Sacir Hot and midfielder Matt Kassel.
“We want to wish Sacir and Matt the best of luck and hope to see them back at the club in the future. Unfortunately, with the talent on our squad, we cannot guarantee that Sacir and Matt will play in first team matches. They are both young players who need more games and we will help them find positive situations where they can succeed and develop. We will also continue to follow their progress at their next club,” said New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler.
“These were difficult decisions, but we think that these are beneficial moves for all parties involved. The club is proud that they developed in our academy and have turned into good professionals,” Soler said.
Hot was signed on Jan. 31, 2011 under the MLS Home Grown Player rule after playing at Boston College. The Red Bulls Academy graduate did not feature in a MLS regular season match in 2011, but made his Red Bulls debut in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on June 28 against FC New York.
Kassel, a fellow Red Bulls Academy graduate, was signed on Jan. 25, 2011 and played two regular season games in his rookie year, logging 82 minutes. He also started two Open Cup matches. Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Kassel was a three-year starter for the University of Maryland, helping the team win the NCAA Championship as a junior.
