Rayyan signs with Bethlehem Steel

by Travis Clark

February 26, 2019

The 2018 ACC Freshman of the Year won't be back for an encore.

Duke midfielder Issa Rayyan has left school to sign a professional contract, joining USL Championship side Bethlehem Steel FC. The Steel are operated by Philadelphia Union, where Rayyan played club soccer before heading to college last fall.

“We are very excited about signing Issa to the Steel,” Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a statement. “Issa has an awareness and excellent technical skill on the ball and we are happy to add another young prospect to the Steel. Issa has proven himself well at Duke and our Academy and we look forward to furthering his professional development with the Steel.”

.@issa_rayyan9 just signed his first professional contract! Check out his thoughts on signing for @BSteelFC #WeAreSteel | #SteelSquad | #SteelFamily pic.twitter.com/XygNtwMAin
— Bethlehem Steel FC (@BSteelFC) February 26, 2019

In four seasons with the Union Academy, Rayyan made 66 appearances across various age groups, scoring 22 goals, including seven with the U18/19s in his final campaign before playing college soccer.

While at Duke, Rayyan was named the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2018. In 20 appearances for the Blue Devils, he scored six goals and added three assists.

"Issa joins Steel FC after a superb freshman season in college, where he surprised many observers but not those who worked with him in the Academy,” Union Academy Director Tommy Wilson said in a statement. “He has the ability to make and take chances, which together with his work rate will hopefully serve him well at the next level.”

Related Topics: Atlantic Coast