FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution selected defender Nicolas Samayoa from Florida Gulf Coast University with the 78th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Samayoa, 22, was a vital member of Florida Gulf Coast’s backline for four years, playing primarily in central defense. In his collegiate career, the Guatemala City native appeared in 66 matches, starting 65, and tallied six goals with four assists. As a senior last season, Samayoa started 15 matches and recorded a career-high three goals, after setting a personal best with 20 appearances in 2016.
The 6-foot-2, 175 pound defender accrued numerous accolades with the Eagles, including a 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team selection as a senior. He was named a first-team Atlantic Sun Conference selection as a junior after the FGCU backline surrendered only six goals in conference action, second fewest in the league.
Samayoa also earned a second-team selection as a sophomore in 2015, making 12 starts, and played all 90 minutes in 18-of-19 starts as a freshman. During his freshman year in 2014, he anchored the FGCU defense in allowing a conference-best 15 goals allowed with nine shutouts.
Born in Guatemala City on Aug. 2, 1995, Samayoa is a dual citizen of the United States and Guatemala. He represented the Under-20 Guatemala National Team and was selected by head coach Carlos Ruiz to participate in the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where he spent six games as an unused substitute.
