FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –
Former Elon men’s soccer standout Gabe Latigue has signed a professional
contract to play for Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, the club
announced Friday. Latigue was selected by the Revolution with the 61st overall
pick of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft and becomes the third former Elon
player sign a contract in the MLS, joining Steven Kinney of the Chicago Fire
and Clint Irwin of the Colorado Rapids.
“Gabe did well for himself during preseason training and
earned his spot on our roster,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said.
“He has shown he can fit in on either side of the midfield and has talent on
set pieces. We’re looking forward to working with him further this season.”
Latigue played in 82 career games with the Phoenix, scoring
15 goals and tallying 17 assists. He was a key cog for the Maroon and Gold
winning back-to-back Southern Conference tournament titles, earning the
tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2012. He also made the SoCon
All-Tournament team for the second consecutive year to help Elon make its
second straight trip to the NCAA tournament.
“Congrats to Gabe on earning his first MLS contract with a
great coaching staff at New England,” said Phoenix head coach Darren Powell.
“Gabe had a good career at Elon and we will continue to support him from afar.
On behalf of the coaches, players and the Elon community, we wish both the New
England Revolution and Gabe much success this season.”
The Apex, N.C., native earned NSCAA second-team All-South
Region and second-team All-Southern Conference honors in his senior campaign
after finishing third on the team in goals (five) and second in assists (six).
“Playing soccer at Elon has helped me develop a work ethic
that I take with me into each training session and game,” said Latigue. “I’ve
learned that simply working hard will get you far in life. I will continue to
take advice from coach Powell and Chris Little and apply it with my play here
with the Revolution. I hope to continue to be successful and to make Elon men’s
soccer proud.”
Latigue will face off against his former teammate Kinney as
the Revolution will open the 2013 season on Saturday, March 9, on the road against
the Fire in a match that will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Network.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.