Diego Fagundez is the 24th best player in the MLS under the age of 24, according to MLS.com.
The MLS released the first four members of their top 24 under 24 list on Monday, a list that features the top 24 players in the MLS under the age of 24. Fagundez was the first player released on the list, claiming the 24th spot.
This is the sixth time that the Uruguayan born, Leominster, Massachusetts raised attacker has been featured on this list since his MLS career began all the way back at the age of 16. The highest Fagundez has been on this last was fifth, back in 2013 and 2014.
Fagundez claimed his spot on the list again due to his stellar offensive record throughout his career. Since his MLS debut in 2011, Fagundez has scored 37 goals in 164 appearances for the Revolution, and also contributed 31 assists. He set many MLS records during his time as player, becoming the youngest player to make 100 club appearances, the youngest player to score 25 goals, and this year he became the first home-grown MLS player to reach 10,000 playing minutes. Just to put things in perspective, Fagundez turned 22 on Feb. 14th, and has already achieved a great deal.
While Fagundez’s debut at the age of 16 was marked with his first MLS goal, 2013 was his true breakout season. In this season he scored 13 goals in 31 games, also contributing seven assists. His performances that season earned him the Revolution 2013 Season MVP award. From 2013 on, Fagundez has been a staple in the Revolution side. Fagundez was also the Revolution’s first academy graduate to become a homegrown player for the club.
In an interview with Johnathan Sigal of MLSsoccer.com, Fagundez reflected on how it felt to make his debut at such a young age.
“I remember the first day I stepped on this field, I said to myself how this is the game where I need to make my name count,” Fagundez said. “I went out there the first game and put my name out there for everyone to see how I meant real business and I wasn’t just a 15-year-old they signed for no reason. At the end of the day, I think I accomplished what I wanted to do.”
Here is a clip of the goal that Fagundez scored in his debut:
While he only has four goals in 28 appearances this season, Fagundez has been and will be a key player for the Revolution, and this nomination further proves that.
The Revolution next face off in Orlando against Orlando City. Kickoff is Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
