Cody Cropper signed as newest Revolution goalkeeper

The New England Revolution have signed a goalkeeper with extensive U.S. youth national team experience. Cody Cropper, formerly of English clubs Southampton FC and Milton Keynes Dons, put pen to paper on Thursday, giving the Revs four backstops on their 2016 MLS roster.

Cropper, a 23-year-old with Minnesota roots, has earned 21 caps for the U.S. U20 side and seven caps for the U.S. U23 team. He most notably has played in 2016 Olympic qualifying, the 2011 and 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championships, the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2015 Toulon Tournament. While Cropper hasn’t appeared for the senior side yet, he has been called into training camps.

“Cody is a player whose development we’ve been tracking the past few years,” said New England Revolution General Manager Michael Burns in a press release. “He’s a promising young goalkeeper and we’re excited to bring him to New England.”

Cropper’s availability is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, and he’ll soon enter a crowded goalkeeper scene. The Revs already boast veterans in Bobby Shuttleworth and Brad Knighton, as well as rookie Matt Turner. Also of note, New England’s negative 15 goal differential is worst in MLS, as are its 44 goals against.

The Revolution take on Columbus Crew SC this Saturday, and have 10 games left in the regular season, giving Cropper ample time to make an impact.