FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – One of the first people Zachary Herivaux called after signing a Homegrown contract with the New England Revolution was Shalrie Joseph.
Herivaux, whose father Pedro is close friends with the former Revolution captain, has known Joseph since he was 11 years old, even playing in the Shalrie Joseph Soccer Club for a stint before joining the Revolution’s Academy ahead of the 2011-12 season.
The relationship which developed was that of a mentor; Herivaux came to Revolution games to watch Joseph, while Joseph reciprocated and offered one-on-one coaching for the developing youngster.
“When I told him that I signed with the Revolution, he was ecstatic,” Herivaux said.
But Herivaux wasn’t only calling Joseph to tell him he’d joined the Revolution – he had a question, as well. It was more of a request, really. And he knew it was important to have Joseph’s approval.
“I asked him if I could wear his number,” Herivaux said. “He was even happier when I asked him.”
And so it happened that when Herivaux begins training with the Revolution first team on Monday morning, he’ll be donning the number 21 made famous in New England by Joseph, who wore it from 2003 to 2012, and then again in 2014.
Before Joseph the number 21 had a nomadic existence in New England, worn by Imad Baba, Raul Diaz Arce, Eric Wynalda, John Wolyniec and Carlos Semedo between 1996 and 2002. But Joseph made it his own, and he couldn’t be happier that the next to wear it will be Herivaux.
“I think it’s absolutely great that he wants to wear it,” said Joseph, who admitted that he was initially surprised by the request. “I think he’ll be great for the team and great for the organization.”
Herivaux, just 19 years old and still developing, won’t be wearing the number under the impression that he’s trying to fill Shalrie Joseph’s unfillable shoes. Instead, he’s simply honoring a legend who meant so much not only to the Revolution, but to his own development as a player.
“I was glad that he allowed me to wear his number,” Herivaux said. “I think carrying his number and legacy with the Revolution is just an honor for me.”
