Six Revs II players train with first team on opening day of preseason
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Photo by Tim Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images
In his first press conference of the preseason, Bruce Arena declared that six players from Revolution II trained with the first team on the opening day of the preseason. The statement reflects the growing connection between the New England Revolution and Revolution II, a partnership now in its sophomore year of existence.
Arena didn’t name individuals, but there are several players on Revolution II who would likely be considered for this opportunity; goalkeeper Joe Rice is one strong candidate, as well as midfielders Tiago Mendonca and Maciel.
Matt Ralph
Philadelphia Union Academy and YSC Academy grad
Justin McMaster was the first with ties to the region to go when Minnesota United made the Wake Forest forward their 17th pick. The Jamaica native joined the Philadelphia Union Academy when he was 16 and spent the last four years at Wake Forest.
Demon Deacon
Reading United defender
Brandon Hackenberg was the second player with local ties to go in the draft when he was selected 22nd by Orlando City. The Penn State defender is the younger brother of former Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
Sean O’Hearn, a PA Classics Academy and Hempfield High School grad from Lancaster, Pa. was drafted 38th overall by Minnesota United. O’Hearn, who won a national championship with Georgetown in 2019, was previously signed to a professional contract by New England Revolution II.
Five Union Academy grads, several others with local ties eligible for MLS SuperDraft
MLS SuperDraft is next Thursday
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Matt Ralph
Five Philadelphia Union Academy alums and several others with local ties are on a list of 176 players eligible for next week’s MLS SuperDraft.
Justin McMaster, Lamine Conte, Josue Monge, Dawson McCartney and Jahmali Waite, who all spent time with Bethlehem Steel FC prior to college and graduated high school from YSC Academy, are all listed.
McMaster, a winger/forward for Wake Forest is considered the best prospect of the group (No. 15 in SBI’s Big Board) and McCartney recently transferred to Notre Dame so he’d likely put a pro career on hold if he is drafted.