MLS SuperDraft Selection Luis Barraza Signs with NYCFC
Luis Barraza has officially signed his first professional contract with New York City FC following his selection at the MLS SuperDraft earlier this month. The goalkeeper was selected 12th in the draft after a standout year at Marquette University that included him being named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year and All-BIG EAST First Team.
MLS Soccer News: New York City FC announced on Monday that 2019 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft first round selection Luis Barraza has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The goalkeeper, who was selected 12th overall, becomes New York’s sixth offseason acquisition, following the arrivals of Tony Rocha, Keaton Parks, Ebenezer Ofori, Justin Haak and Juan Pablo Torres.
“It’s one of the happiest moments of my life without a doubt,” said Barraza. “I’m thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to where I am today. Most importantly my family who has supported and believed in me since day one.”
“It’s a dream come true. I’m honored and proud to and proud to wear the NYCFC badge.”
NYCFC traded $75,000 of General Allocation Money and the 19th overall pick to L.A. Galaxy for the 12th overall pick in order to secure Barraza’s rights at the SuperDraft in Chicago earlier this month.
“Luis is a very good goalkeeper with a bright future,” said Claudio Reyna, NYCFC Sporting Director. “He’s someone who we really like and adds more depth to the goalkeeper position. We think it’s really valuable in MLS to have a very solid corps of goalkeepers pushing each other.”
Barraza recently graduated from Marquette University where he claimed the 2018 Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year award and was named to the 2018 All-Big East First Team. Barraza finished his senior year ranked top-10 in the country in save percentage (.830) and saves per game (5.20). He was also ranked 21st overall in total saves (78) and led Marquette to the Big East tournament final for the first time since 2013.
Barraza joins a talented goalkeeper group that includes Sean Johnson, Brad Stuver and Jeff Caldwell.
“The reason we have four goalkeepers is because all of them have different qualities,” said Doménec Torrent, NYCFC head coach. “We like to play with a build-up and Luis has a quality that is very important to us because he’s comfortable when he has the ball on the ground.”
During his youth career, Barraza played for the Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy where he won the U15/U16 USSDA Championships in 2013 and finished as runner-up in 2015.
Photo Credit: New York City FC
