New England Revolution signed Jack Panayotou, thus becoming the 22nd player in MLS NEXT Pro history to sign with an MLS club. Panayotou played 392 minutes in 9 matches during the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season for Revolution II. Below is the full story on the player's signing.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution have signed 18-year-old midfielder Jack Panayotou to a Homegrown Player contract through the 2026 MLS season with an additional one-year club option for 2027. A native of Cambridge, Mass., Panayotou becomes the 10th Homegrown Player signing to join the Revolution’s MLS roster after being named the 2022 UnitedHealthcare Revolution Academy Player of the Year.
Panayotou earned the Academy’s top individual honor after playing a pivotal role in the Under-19s’ run to the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup national championship. The 18-year-old scored a tournament-high six goals, including the game winner in the final on July 3. Panayotou capped off his final Revolution Academy season with a selection to the inaugural 2022 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, in which he recorded the game-winning assist in the 89th minute (Watch Here).
“Jack has made tremendous strides in his development over the last two years and has emerged as one of the top midfielders in his age bracket in the country. His leadership and exceptional play on the field was crucial in helping our Under-19s win the MLS NEXT Cup championship, and he has only continued to grow while at Georgetown,” said Revolution Technical Director Curt Onalfo. “Jack is deserving of this opportunity to take the next step in his journey, and we are excited to continue working with Jack here in New England.”
To date, Panayotou has earned three call-ups to the U.S. Under-19 Men’s Youth National Team, most recently in September where he helped the American squad win the Slovenia Nations Cup. Panayotou returns to New England after playing one NCAA season at Georgetown University. In his freshman season in 2022, Panayotou tied for the team lead with seven goals across 19 appearances.
Panayotou made his professional debut with New England Revolution II on April 3, 2022, and went on to make nine appearances in MLS NEXT Pro. He recorded the fourth brace in team history on April 17 in the team’s 3-2 comeback victory vs. FC Cincinnati 2.
“I’m incredibly honored to sign a Homegrown Player contract with the New England Revolution,” Panayotou said. “Having been with the club since I was at the Under-13 level, this is truly a dream come true. I am thankful to Bruce Arena, Curt Onalfo, and the entire organization for this opportunity, as well as to my Georgetown University family for their support. I am excited to begin my career with my hometown club, continue to develop as a player, and earn my place on this team.”
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution sign midfielder Jack Panayotou to a Homegrown Player contract through the 2026 MLS season with an additional one-year club option for 2027 on Jan. 10, 2023.
JACK PANAYOTOU AT A GLANCE:
- Signed as the 10th Homegrown Player in Revolution history on January 10, 2023 after developing in the Revolution Academy since 2019.
- Named the 2022 UnitedHealthcare Revolution Academy Player of the Year.
- Has earned three call-ups to the U.S. Under-19 Men’s Youth National Team, all in 2022.
- Led the Revolution Under-19s to the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup Championship with a tournament-leading six goals, including the game winner in the final, to secure the national title.
- Logged nine professional appearances with Revolution II since April 2022, scoring two goals.
- Recorded seven goals, a team high, and three assists in freshman season at Georgetown University in 2022.
#22 JACK PANAYOTOU
Pronunciation: pan-uh-YO-too
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-7
Weight: 154
Hometown: Cambridge, Mass.
Date of Birth: 06/05/2004 (Cambridge, Mass.)
Nationality: United States
How Acquired: Signed as the 10th Homegrown Player in Revolution club history on January 10, 2023.
