FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution II has signed four players to the team's inaugural USL League One roster. Midfielder Mayele Malango, forward Connor Presley, defender Collin Verfurth, and defender Nick Woodruff will be added to Revolution II's roster pending league and federation approval.
“Welcoming these four talented players as the first Revolution II signings marks an exciting milestone for the club as we continue to enhance the development pathway in New England,” Technical Director Curt Onalfo said. “Identifying and securing promising young players is one key part of our multifaceted approach to constructing the second team roster, and we look forward to making more additions in the weeks to come.”
"As we continue making strides in the build up to our inaugural season, we are proud and excited to welcome these four young players onto Revolution II," Head Coach Clint Peay said. "We are pleased to be adding players from a variety of backgrounds, which we hope will help each of the players on our roster develop and grow."
Woodruff, 21, developed for four years in the Revolution Academy before entering the collegiate ranks with Michigan State in 2017. The 6-foot-2 center back logged more than 2,000 minutes played across more than 25 appearances for the Spartans, adding one goal and one assist. A native of Attleborough, Mass., Woodruff recorded more than 100 appearances across the U-14, U-16, and U-18 levels with the Revolution Academy from 2012-16. He has also played with New England's Under-23 side and trained with the first team on several occasions.
Malango, 21, joins Revolution II after two collegiate seasons, including one with Salem State and one with UMass Lowell. As a freshman with Salem State in 2017, Malango led the MASCAC with 17 goals and 43 points in 19 games, earning MASCAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors. In 2018, he transferred to UMass Lowell, where he appeared in all of the team's 18 games and submitted one goal and two assists. Malango, a native of Kinshasa, Congo, attended Lowell High School. He was a two-time Lowell Sun Player of the Year and led the Red Raiders to consecutive Merrimack Valley Championships. In 2019, he spent time training with the Revolution's first team.
Verfurth and Presley arrive in New England from USL Championship side Loudoun United FC, where they both played under Revolution Assistant Coach Richie Williams. Verfurth, 23, played four seasons at Virginia Tech from 2014-17. The 6-foot-4 center back registered nearly 2,000 minutes played in 23 appearances – including 22 starts – for Loudoun last season. Presley, 21, recorded two goals and three assists in 2,291 minutes played across 28 appearances for Loudoun in 2019. A graduate of FC Dallas' Academy, his prior professional experience includes two seasons with San Antonio FC, as well as time with English outfits Nostell Miners Welfare F.C. and Guiseley A.F.C.
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution II signs midfielder Mayele Malango, forward Connor Presley, defender Collin Verfurth, and defender Nick Woodruff on Jan. 7, 2020.
