TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The New England Revolution bolstered their squad for 2020 on Friday, signing 16-year-old midfielder Damian Rivera to a Homegrown Player contract. Born in December 2002, the 16-year-old becomes the youngest current member of the first team, and the clubâs second-youngest Homegrown Player signing to date.
âOf the many talented players weâve observed in the Revolution Academy system, Damian was among the first who distinguished himself as a player with the tools needed to succeed at the professional level,â sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. âWe look forward to seeing him continue to develop and grow with the Revolution.â
Rivera, who has also gone by the nickname âTicoâ, joined the Revolution Academy ahead of the 2016-17 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season. He has since made a combined 90 appearances, including 67 starts, and scored 41 goals across the U-14, U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels.
In the current 2019-20 campaign, Rivera is pacing the U-19 side with a team-high eight goals in only eight appearances, highlighted by a four-goal outing at D.C. United on Oct. 19.
âIâm really happy for this opportunity. Itâs a special moment for me to join the Revolution, the club I grew up watching in Rhode Island,â Rivera said. âThe Academy program and coaches have played a huge role in helping me get to where I am now, and now Iâm looking forward to preseason, elevating my game, and seeing what I can contribute to the team.â