Revs Select Defender Nicolas Samayoa In 4th Round

The New England Revolution wrapped up the 2018 MLS SuperDraft with their final selection, taking centerback Nicolas Samayoa from Florida Gulf Coast with the ninth pick in the fourth round (78th overall).

Samayoa made 66 appearances in his college career, including 65 starts, while totaling six goals and four assists including a season-high three goals in 2017 as a senior. The 6-foot-2, 175 pound defender accrued numerous accolades with the Eagles, including a 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team selection as a senior. He was named a first-team Atlantic Sun Conference selection as a junior after the FGCU backline surrendered only six goals in conference action, second fewest in the league.

Samayoa is a dual national and has represented Guatemala at the U20 level. The centerback helped the FGCU Eagles to two NCAA tournament appearances as well as two Atlantic Sun regular season titles and two conference tournament titles.

New England did not have selections in the second or third rounds due to previous trades with the Columbus Crew for Kei Kamara and the Philadelphia Union for Charlie Davies. New head coach Brad Friedel completes his first MLS draft class by taking three defenders with the picks of right back prospects Brandon Bye and Mark Segbers earlier in the week.

Samayoa will likely serve as a backup to starters Antonio Delamea and Claude Dielna, possibly alongside another fourth round draft pick Joshua Smith who was also taken in the fourth round of last years draft but Smith’s option was declined earlier in the offseason.

New England officially begins their preseason tomorrow, Monday January 22nd, with entrance physicals and three days of training before leaving for Bradenton, Florida on Friday for two weeks of preseason camp.