The New England Revolution Tuesday announced that midfielder Chris Tierney has signed a developmental contract with Major League Soccer to play for the Revs. Per team and league policies, terms of the deal were not released. To make room on the developmental roster for Tierney, forward Spencer Wadsworth was released.
Tierney, 22 and a resident of Wellesley, Mass., was drafted by New England in the first round (13th overall) of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft out of the University of Virginia. A versatile left-footed player, he scored 11 goals and added 16 assists in 79 career games at UVa, and helped the Cavaliers reach the 2006 NCAA College Cup. He also earned 2007 All-ACC Tournament honors. In 2008, Tierney has already made three appearances with the Revolution's reserve team, all as a guest player.
"We're pleased be able to add Chris to our roster," Revolution Director of Soccer Michael Burns said. "As a local player, we've had an eye on him for some years and we look forward to him beginning his professional career with us."
Tierney is a product of the Greater Boston Bolts club, the same youth soccer program as fellow Revolution rookie Sam Brill (Newton, Mass.).
Wadsworth, 21, originally signed with the Revolution on March 12 after the team selected him in the fourth round (55th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft out of Duke. A Dallas native, Wadsworth did not see any first-team action in 2008, but made four appearances - including two starts - with the reserves, with whom he scored one goal in 245 minutes of action.
The Revolution (6-3-2, 20 pts.) return to action Friday, June 6, when the team hosts FC Dallas at Gillette Stadium at 6:30 p.m. as part of a special soccer doubleheader that will also include a match between the national teams of Brazil and Venezuela. Comcast Sports Net will televise the MLS game live, while the WEEI Radio Network will also carry the game. Tickets for the special event are selling quickly, but can still be purchased through the Revolution at revolutionsoccer.net or 1-877-GET-REVS or through Ticketmaster at 1-617-931-2222.
Chris Tierney
Pronunciation: TEAR-nee
Jersey No.: 8
Position: Midfield
D.O.B.: Jan. 9, 1986
Birthplace: Boston, Mass.
Hometown: Wellesley, Mass.
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
College: Virginia
Status: Developmental
How Acquired: Selected by the Revolution in the first round (13th overall) of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft; signed with the Revolution on June 3, 2008.
TRANSACTIONS: The New England Revolution (MLS): Signed M Chris Tierney; released F Spencer Wadsworth.
