The Villarreal Force Academy and Villarreal CF are excited to announce one of our own joining the New England Revolution MLS Residential Academy in Massachusetts.
This fall, Ivan Villalobos Lopez will continue his soccer journey to achieve the highest level by relocating to the Revolution’s Residential MLS Academy to join their 2008 NE Revolution Team.
While being a true 2009, Ivan has competed two years up with the 2007 VFA Yellow team for the past year and will now be playing one year up for the Revs.
Ivan will be the first from the Villarreal Force Academy to sign with a professional organization before graduating out of the program at 19U.
“Ivan is a tremendous young man with a work ethic and willingness to learn and grow at the highest levels. His understanding of the game for his age is extraordinary, only matched by his ability to adapt and be successful in any situation we have put in front of him”. - Todd Abbey, Director of Soccer Operations and Coaching, Villarreal Force Academy
His workout with the Revolution came on the heels of his 5 day trial at Villarreal CF in Spain just over a month earlier. An opportunity offered to players selected and identified by Villarreal CF through their international academy system, in which VIllarreal Force is an original member of.
“Something that impressed me from the first time I met Ivan was how mature and determined he was for his age. On the field, he demonstrated a great understanding of the game and his technical conditions were amazing. He is that kind of player that every coach loves to work with, because you can feel his predisposition to grow from the very first moment” — Alejandro Rodríguez,
“Player Development Program” Coordinator at Villarreal CF Academy, Spain
As Ivan finishes out his Villarreal Force Academy experience with US Club Soccer Regionals, June 17-20 in Winston-Salem, NC, the Revolution are looking forward to their opportunity in helping his continued development.
“We are very excited to have Ivan join the New England Revolution Academy. We look forward to being part of his soccer journey. In getting to know Ivan during his trial we quickly learned of his work ethic and desire on the field. We are looking forward to seeing his growth on and off the field when he gets into our environment. “ - Rob Becerra, New England Revolution Academy Director
From the Villarreal Force Academy / Fayetteville Soccer Club Family, we would like to wish Ivan the best of luck in his future, and hope to see him on the biggest stage soon!
ENDAVANT!!
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