BRADENTON, Fla. – Maxi Urruti is back in MLS. After spending the 2024 season with Club Atlético Platense in Argentina’s Primera División, the veteran striker has returned Stateside to begin his 12th MLS campaign with his seventh different club, the New England Revolution.
Urruti is no stranger to the league, with 295 MLS appearances (including 218 starts) across seasons with Toronto FC, the Portland Timbers, FC Dallas, CF Montréal, Houston Dynamo FC, and Austin FC. In his decorated MLS career, the 33-year-old has logged 70 goals, 39 assists, and more than 19,000 minutes of regular season playing time.
“I am very excited because I am back to MLS. I played last year in Argentina and now I feel very happy to be back,” said Urruti. “I know the guys in the group are amazing. I know the coach and it's a good opportunity to play again.”
Coming into preseason with the Revolution, head coach Caleb Porter was a familiar face for Urruti. Playing with the Portland Timbers from 2014-2015, Urruti was able to secure an MLS Cup championship title under Porter’s leadership in 2015. Urruti explained that it’s great to be back under Porter’s leadership after gaining many more years of experience since playing with him in Portland. “We know he’s a good coach. We have a good group and I am very happy for this opportunity,” he said.
Reflecting on the chance to win an MLS title, Urruti said it was an amazing moment and something he sees possible for the Revolution.
“If you have a good group, for me, it’s a good chance to take home a trophy,” he explained. “Every player is amazing and we have a group of younger players, too. This is a good moment to start the season.”
Joining the team for the first time during preseason camp in Florida, Urruti admits he felt nervous, but after spending time with his teammates, he feels confident in the group's talent and the connections he’s made in just a few weeks. A special bond has already formed between him, Leo Campana, Tomás Chancalay, and Luca Langoni, who he says he drinks his morning maté with every day.
Urruti grew up in a soccer playing family. His father was a professional player, as well, encouraging Urruti to play, starting at the age of four.
“I would go with my dad to the field. Every day, soccer. We watched every game, and I do the same with my boy now,” said Urruti, whose seven-year-old son is already dreaming of following in his father’s footsteps. “At 13 I moved to play in another country. I lived alone which was very difficult, but by 17 I had my first professional contract, and at 18 I played my first game with Newell’s Old Boys."
Beginning his professional career at a young age, Urruti quickly made his mark in the big leagues. However, he didn't truly feel he had arrived as a player until one unforgettable moment with his family.
“I remember I went out with my family, and I paid the bill for dinner. And at this moment, I said, 'Wow, this is very different,' you know? This moment was very, very happy for me, and for my family, too,” he recalled.
For Urruti, it’s moments like these that fuel his drive for continued success. As he looks ahead to the new season, his focus remains on building on his past experiences and winning even more trophies.
“This group is very new. A lot of players have joined and this preseason is time to understand the club. We need a trophy and we have a good group that can win it,” he said.
