FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution have officially signed midfielder Eric Klein, the club’s 2024 Academy Player of the Year, to a Homegrown Player contract through the 2026 MLS season, with club options through 2029. Klein becomes the 15th Homegrown Player in club history, ascending to the first team just eight months after signing his first pro deal with Revolution II.
“Eric has thrived at every level of our development pathway,” said Sporting Director Curt Onalfo. “From the academy to becoming a leader with Revolution II, and now showcasing his talent in the U.S. Open Cup, he has earned this opportunity to contribute to our first team.”
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder from Manheim, Pennsylvania, made his senior debut earlier this season in a 45-minute substitute appearance vs. Rhode Island FC in the Open Cup Round of 32. He followed that performance with a 90-minute start against Chicago Fire FC in the Round of 16. In MLS NEXT Pro, Klein has started six matches in 2025 with one assist, following a stellar 2024 campaign where he led Revolution II in starts (23) and minutes played (2,125).
Head Coach Caleb Porter added, “Eric’s consistency and leadership have stood out since I joined the club. He’s earned this contract, and I’m excited to watch him take the next step at the MLS level.”
Klein’s soccer journey began in the Revolution Academy, where he was named 2023-24 Revolution Academy Player of the Year, an honor given annually to the top amateur player in the club’s development system.
He is also part of a unique MLS legacy: the second second-generation Revolution player, following his father Steve Klein, who played five matches for New England in 1997. Eric and Steve join John and Ian Harkes as the only father-son duos in club history.
Player Profile: Eric Klein
- Jersey Number: 38
- Pronunciation: AIR-rick Kline
- Position: Midfielder
- Birthdate: November 20, 2006 (Age 18)
- Hometown: Manheim, Pennsylvania
- Height: 5’11” Weight: 160 lbs
- Nationality: United States
- How Acquired: Signed as a Homegrown Player on May 23, 2025
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution sign midfielder Eric Klein to a Homegrown Player contract through 2026 with club options for 2027, 2028, and 2029.
