24-year-old center back ascends from Revolution II to the first team
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution have signed defender Keegan Hughes to the supplemental roster for the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
The New England Revolution have announced the signing of defender Keegan Hughes to the supplemental roster for the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. The 24-year-old central defender joins the first team after initially signing with Revolution II in January.
Professional Career Highlights
Standing at 6-foot-3, Hughes spent last season on loan from the Columbus Crew to Loudoun United FC of the USL Championship, where he made 29 appearances, including 25 starts. During the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Hughes started in three matches, playing a key role in leading Loudoun to the Round of 16.
Hughes began his professional career by signing a Homegrown Player contract with the Columbus Crew on January 11, 2023. The 2018 Crew Academy Player of the Year made his MLS debut on March 25, 2023, as a second-half substitute against Atlanta United FC. He also appeared in two U.S. Open Cup matches with the Crew that season.
In 2023, Hughes primarily featured in MLS NEXT Pro with Crew 2, scoring one goal across nine starts. Later in the season, he joined FC Tulsa of the USL Championship on loan, tallying one goal in nine appearances under the guidance of current Revolution Assistant Coach Blair Gavin.
Praise from the Revolution Staff
“Keegan Hughes is a talented defender who will provide important depth for our first team,” said Sporting Director Curt Onalfo. “Keegan has worked hard to earn this opportunity, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow as a player.”
Head Coach Caleb Porter echoed the praise, stating, “Keegan has only been in our program a short time but has already impressed me and my staff with a strong preseason. He is a young player with all the physical tools to develop into an MLS-level center back. I look forward to working with him on the training field.”
Collegiate Achievements
Hughes played four seasons at Stanford University (2019–22), where he established himself as a standout defender. Across 73 starts, he recorded eight goals and seven assists. In his senior year, Hughes captained Stanford’s defense, which ranked first in the Pac-12 with nine shutouts, and led the team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA College Cup. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, First Team All-American, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and National Scholar Player of the Year, among other accolades.
With this signing, the Revolution add both talent and depth to their defensive lineup for the upcoming MLS season.
#5 KEEGAN HUGHES
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: July 22, 2000 (Newark, Ohio)
Hometown: Heath, Ohio
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
College: Stanford University (2019-2022)
Nationality: United States
How Acquired: Signed by Revolution II as a free agent on Jan. 3, 2025; signed to MLS supplemental roster on March 4, 2025.
