Matt Turner and Tajon Buchanan are currently flying the New England Revolution flag over in Qatar. There is plenty going on back home too, including a new arrival. Here is all you need to know about Sacramento Republic youngster Santiago Suarez!
Sacramento Republic Youngster on the Move
All About Santiago Suarez
Fans of the New England Revolution will be hoping for a pretty busy off-season. This was the case last year but it didn’t exactly go to plan. The first name in through the door is Sacramento Republic youngster Santiago Suarez.
One man already singing his praises is the technical director, the man in charge in this side of the business, Curt Onalfo. The former LA Galaxy player and manager, who was born in Brazil interestingly enough, said the following on social media. “Tiago was a top, nationally recruited target for us. Extremely high ceiling.”
A young player’s pathway starts here with the #NERevs. Tiago was a top, nationally recruited target for us. Extremely high ceiling 📈. The real work starts now as we look forward to helping him improve everyday! 💪 https://t.co/d4GtW2ccVH
— Curt Onalfo (@curtonalfo) November 29, 2022
Something that will standout to onlookers straight away when Santiago Suarez takes the pitch is the sheer size of him. He may be just 17, having been born in 2005, but he stands at a remarkable 6 foot and 5 inches. This his thoughts on that being a factor, “Growing up I was always a lot bigger than all the other kids, so it was a huge advantage for me”… “I definitely do use it in the box, but also defensively to win aerial balls when the goalkeeper hits it long.”
Suarez has represented the USA at U19 level but also holds Uruguayan heritage which gives him the choose between the two. The teenager born in California has crossed paths with a few Revolution players whilst playing for the USMNT; Noel Buck, Esmir Bajraktarevic and Jack Panayotou. “I had already made such good relationships with some of their top players without even knowing they were New England Revolution players” is his comment on that experience.
Read More: Revolution Pickup Bobby Wood in MLS Re-entry Draft
Where Will the Sacramento Republic Youngster Fit In, In New England
Anyone who closely followed the US Open Cup this past year will be familiar with the club in question. Sacramento Republic enjoyed an unimaginable run all the way to the final, knocking off a number of MLS teams, before succumbing to champions Orlando City.
Suarez didn’t exactly play a part in this success but he was with the west coast club all the same. On the matter, he said: “It was an amazing experience that I feel that most players in their whole career can’t say that they’ve had. For a second division team to go so far in a U.S. Open Cup type format is really rare.” The west coaster then went on to say that he “Will remember it and cherish it for the rest of [his] life.”
Welcome to New England Tiago! 💙❤️
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) November 28, 2022
When it comes to Suarez fitting in at the club, he won’t be thrust into the limelight of Major League Soccer straight away. He arrives as Revs II player for the second-ever year of MLS Next Pro. Following that, it seems no matter what, he will be added to the first-team roster ahead of the 2024 campaign.
The Sacramento Republic youngster may be just 17 but he is already a very mature figure. One of the bigger taking points from his own mouth is as follows. “I’m super excited that New England was able to give me this opportunity and I hope to make the most of it.” This is certainly a move for the future, but an entertaining one at that.
Embed from Getty Images
