Rennicks signs with New England Revolution

by Travis Clark

January 18, 2019

Another U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team veteran has turned pro.

Indiana's Justin Rennicks signed a Homegrown contract with the New England Revolution, the club announced on Friday.

"I'm excited to move on to the professional level and happy that my first contract is with my hometown team," Rennicks said in a statement. "I am grateful for the opportunity Todd Yeagley and Indiana gave me the last two seasons, and I know it has prepared me best for this next step. I can't wait to get out there under the guidance of Brad Friedel, who has done it at the highest level for both club and country, which is something that drives me every day. This club has been a part of my life for many years and it feels good to be back with the Revolution."

Rennicks joined the Revolution Academy at the Under-14 age group ahead of the 2012-13 season. Across more than 100 appearances at three age groups, he scored 38 goals and added 25 assists.

🚨SIGNING ALERT: #NERevs add homegrown player @JustinRennicks

Welcome to the first team, Justin! 👏👏👏https://t.co/TYd3PrJ6WK pic.twitter.com/wlVZJkJYH0
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) January 18, 2019

Added Revolution General Manager Mike Burns: “Justin was a talented and productive player during his time in our Academy, and he further distinguished himself at Indiana University and in the U.S. Youth National Team system. After monitoring his progress closely over the last two years, we felt this was the right time for Justin to take this next step in his development and join the first team.”

Rennicks was limited to just eight appearances in 2017, as an injury limited his chances to play for the Big Ten side. He was a part of the team's run to the national championship game. After staying healthy last fall, he scored six goals, starting in 20 matches for the Hoosiers.

He missed a chunk of the 2018 college season to compete for the U.S. Under-20 MNT at the Concacaf Championship. Rennicks appeared in all eight matches of the tournament (making four starts), scoring four goals and adding five assists.

“Justin has a bright future ahead as he begins his professional career with the New England Revolution in MLS,” Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley said in a statement. “He played an important role in our success during his time at Indiana. His athletic qualities are special and we wish him all the best as he continues on his soccer journey.”

Between the early departures of Trey Muse, Griffin Dorsey and now Rennicks, Indiana has just one starter returning to Bloomington from last year's starting lineup in the 2018 national semifinal.

Related Topics: Big Ten