Kelyn Rowe Signs Extension with Revolution

The New England Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe has signed a new contract with the club. Per team and league policy the terms and details of the contract were not disclosed.

The versatile, 24 year-old midfielder has been a consistent contributor for the Revs since he was drafted 3rd overall in the 2012 SuperDraft and set a career high in minutes played and starts with 29 already in 2016 with three games left to play.

Rowe has registered five goals and seven assists in a career-high 2,537 minutes this season while featuring at every position except for center back and goalkeeper. He ranks second on the team in appearances (30) and assists, and is tied for second in goals scored. The midfielder also appeared in four of the team's five Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, including the Final against FC Dallas. Rowe was named MLS Player of the Week following New England's 3-1 win in Montreal on Sept. 17, when he recorded a brace and added an assist.

"Kelyn is an incredibly versatile young talent and he's established himself as an integral part of the Revolution," Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. "We look forward to seeing him continue to be a key contributor on the field and making a significant impact in years to come."

Off the field Kelyn Rowe has been a beacon in the community with his charitable contributions. Rowe was named the Revolution's Humanitarian of the Year in 2015 and 2014. In 2015, he and the New England Revolution Charitable Foundation launched "Kelyn's NEGU Crew," a program that gives young cancer patients memorable experiences, highlighted by a postgame lap around the field with Rowe. Since establishing Kelyn's NEGU Crew, Rowe has hosted 11 children at Revolution home and away matches.

Aside from Juan Agudelo's recent tear in Jay Heaps' new diamond midfield, Rowe has likely been the main beneficiary to the formation change in New England. His absence against Columbus last week due to an illness that required a hospital stay was noticeable as the Revs struggled in a 2-0 loss. If Rowe is able to return, even as a substitute, for the final three games of the year, the Revs slim playoff hopes will seem a little brighter if Kelyn's available.

While we don't know the length of Rowe's extension, Kelyn's base 2016 salary is $160,000 and his guaranteed compensation for the year is $241,000. MLS salary cap numbers are always a little odd to figure out, this still represents a great value for the Revs because of Rowe's ability to play not only anywhere in the midfield but also he now has ability to fill in at fullback in an pinch. I am always a big fan of versatility and a player of Rowe's caliber and skill set would be an asset to every team in MLS.

While the 2016 season still isn't over and the Revs have a slim chance at the playoffs still, the Revs have made several moves that will hopefully bolster the team for next season and the long term and we can add Rowe's extension to that list. New England has built a tremendous young core through various league mechanisms and keeping them together for the next few years should keep the expectations high for Revs fans.