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Diego Fagúndez

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In thisSpanish name,the first or paternalsurnameisFagúndezand the second or maternal family name isPepe.
Diego Fagúndez
Fagúndez in 2012
Personal information
Full name Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe
Date of birth (1995-02-14)February 14, 1995(age 29)
Place of birth Montevideo,Uruguay
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder,forward
Team information
Current team
 LA Galaxy
Number 7
Youth career
2000–2007 Leominster Youth Soccer
2007–2009 Greater Boston Bolts
2009–2010 New England Revolution
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2020 New England Revolution 261 (53)
2021–2023 Austin FC 89 (15)
2023– LA Galaxy 6 (1)
International career
2012–2015 Uruguay U20 8 (0)
Medal record
Men'sfootball
RepresentingUruguay
South American U-20 Championship
Third place 2015 Uruguay
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:20, 26 September 2023 (UTC)

Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe(born February 14, 1995) is a Uruguayan professionalfootballerwho plays as anattacking midfielderforMajor League SoccerclubLA Galaxy.[1][2]

Early life

[edit]

Born inMontevideo,Uruguay, Fagúndez moved with his family toLeominster, Massachusettswhen he was five years old.[3][4]Fagúndez began his career playing for Leominster Youth Soccer.[5]

He then went on to play for FC United (Massachusetts) and FC Greater Boston Bolts, before joining theNew England Revolutionacademy team in 2009.[6]He was a State Cup finalist with FC United 2005 and winner in 2006.[7]He won the State Cup with FC Greater Boston Bolts in 2008 and 2009. He also played for the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2006 to 2009, as captain from 2008 to 2009.[8]He was named a 2007–2008 Adidas Interregional All-Star as a member of the Region I ODP team.[9]In his debut season he led the Revs' U-16 squad to a 14–7–8 record (50 pts), placing first in the Northeast Division of the US Soccer Development Academy. He scored 20 goals in 30 appearances, tying Felix Debona for the team lead in goals.

On March 10, 2011,Top Drawer Soccernamed Fagúndez their number one ranked player nationally in the class of 2013.[10]

Club career

[edit]

New England Revolution

[edit]

On November 15, 2010, Fagúndez was signed to a contract by theNew England Revolution,[11]making him the first everhomegrown playerthe Revolution signed from its youth academy. Although on the main club roster, he continued to train with and play for the academy team.

He made his full professional debut on April 26, 2011, in a Revs' 3–2 victory overD.C. Unitedin theLamar Hunt US Open Cup.[12][13]He made his league debut on August 6, 2011, as a substitute againstChivas USA,where he drew a penalty (which was converted byShalrie Joseph) and scored his first goal for New England.[14]

Fagúndez became a regular starter for theNew England Revolutionin 2013, when he had a successful breakout season, scoring 13 goals and assisting 7.[15]Fagúndez quickly became one of MLS's great young talents, and won player of the week honors in week 14 of the 2013 MLS season. Fagúndez obtained aUS green cardin October 2013 qualifying him as a domestic player underMLS squad rules.[16]He was featured on an episode of documentary television show thatMLS 36in August 2013.[17]MLS listed Fagundez at no. 5 on its annual "24 under 24" list of best young players for the 2013 season.[18]

Prior to the start of the 2015 season, rumors emerged of interest in Fagúndez fromSerie AsidesAtalanta B.C.andACF Fiorentina,Neither side, however, was willing to match the $4 million fee asked by the Revolution for Fagúndez's services.[19][20]

During the 2015 season, Fagúndez became the youngest player in MLS history to reach 100 appearances for his club.[21]

Fagúndez was named theMidnight RidersMan of Year at the conclusion of the 2017 MLS season.[22]

On October 28, 2018, prior to the Revolution's final match of the2018 season,Fagúndez's father (who also serves as his agent) posted a tweet insinuating that it could be his son's final appearance for the franchise.[23]The match, against theMontreal Impact,saw Fagúndez's 50th careerMLSgoal. He is currently the youngest player inMLShistory to score 50 goals.[24]

On January 22, 2019, multiple sources reported that the Revolution turned down an offer fromClub Nacional de Footballfor Fagúndez.[25]

The Revolution exercised Fagúndez's 2020 contract option prior to the start of the2020 season.[26]

Fagúndez made his 244th appearance for the Revolution in the franchises' 2020 season opener against theChicago Fire,tyingJay Heapsfor fourth most appearances all time.[27]

Going into the final match of the2020 regular seasonagainst thePhiladelphia Union,Fagúndez was one appearance shy of breaking the Revolution's all-time appearance record, held byShalrie Joseph.[28]Fagúndez did not appear in the match, thus ending the season one appearance shy of breaking the record. The Revolution lost the match 2–0.[29]

On November 20, 2020, as Fagúndez was nearing the end of his contract with the Revolution, news emerged that Fagúndez had received an offer for a contract extension from the Revolution as well as interest from other MLS clubs, and clubs inLa LigaandLiga MX.[30]In 2016 Fagúndez had signed a three-year contract plus a club option for a fourth year.[31]

On December 8, 2020, the Revolution announced their end of season roster moves. Fagúndez was listed as out of contract with the franchise. On his personal Instagram account, he posted a farewell statement to the Revolution and their fans stating that it was time for him to move on.[32]In an interview withThe Boston Globe's Frank Dell'Apa, Fagúndez stated that he wanted to remain with the team, but felt a low-ball offer was presented, and he declined to accept it.[33]

Austin FC

[edit]

On January 5, 2021, Fagúndez signed a one-year deal withAustin FC.[34]On April 24, 2021, Fagúndez made his first starting appearance for his new team, and scored the first goal in the franchise's history in its 3–1 win over theColorado Rapids.[35][36]He would score again the following week, this time notching the game winner in the franchise's 1–0 win overMinnesota United FC.[37]He was the Man of the Match for Austin's first-ever home match in a 0–0 draw against theSan Jose Earthquakes[38]and quickly became a fan favorite.[39][40] Fagundez scored his first goal of the 2022 season, an equalizer in a 1–1 draw againstSeattle Sounders FCas a substitute.[41]He also had Austin's first ever goal in national competition play in a 2–1 loss toSan Antonio FCof the2022 U.S. Open Cupon April 20.[42]Three days later, Fagundez had two second half assists to come back from 2–0 and win 3–2 atD.C. Unitedincluding the game-winning goal.[43]

In February 2023 Fagundez signed a new three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year.[44]At the time of signing he was the club's all-time leader in assists with 20, having added 15 during the 2022 season.[45]After a difficult Austin start to the 2023 season, Fagundez received criticism from head coach Josh Wolff that he was not living up to his new contract.[46]

LA Galaxy

[edit]

On August 1, 2023 Fagundez was traded to theLA Galaxyin return forMemo Rodríguez,$300,000 inGeneral Allocation Moneyand potentially another $600,000 in General Allocation Money add-ons.[47][48]The trade was not popular with Austin supporters, and was criticized as "desperate, over-reactionary, and frankly tone-deaf."[49]

Fagundez scored his first goal, an 82nd minute game winner, for the Galaxy on September 21, 2023, in a 4-3 victory over Minnesota United.[50]

International career

[edit]

Fagúndez is a former Uruguay youth international. He made his debut for Uruguay U20 team in October 2012.[51]He played two games for Uruguay U20 against Peru in that month. In the first he entered as a substitute in the 83rd minute; in the second fixture he was brought on in the 45th minute.[52]

In April 2013, he stated that he would be willing to represent either Uruguay or the United States at the2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[53]However, he was not called up by Uruguay and was not eligible for represent U.S. at the time due to not having citizenship.

In August 2014, he was called up again for the Uruguay U20 national team and played in two games against Peru, a 1–0 win victory and a 1–1 draw.[54][55]

In January 2015, Fagúndez was called up for the2015 South American Youth Championship.He played in Uruguay's 1–0 victory over Colombia.[56]

Personal life

[edit]

Diego's father, Washington Fagúndez, was a professional footballer in Uruguay who played as a goalkeeper withCentral Españolin the 1990s. Diego is thegodsonof former Uruguayan international footballer and1995 Copa AméricawinnerDiego Dorta,after whom he is named.[57]

Fagúndez received hisU.S. green cardin October 2013, which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.[58]

On March 13, 2024, Fagúndez announced he had become a U.S citizen on social media.

Career statistics

[edit]
As of September 26, 2023[59][60]
Club Season Division League Playoffs[a] U.S. Open Cup CCL Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
New England Revolution 2011 MLS 6 2 — 0 0 — — 6 2
2012 20 2 — 1 0 — — 21 2
2013 31 13 2 0 1 0 — — 34 13
2014 31 5 0 0 2 0 — — 33 5
2015 30 6 1 0 1 0 — — 32 6
2016 34 6 — 5 0 — — 39 6
2017 32 7 — 3 1 — — 35 8
2018 33 9 — 0 0 — — 33 9
2019 25 2 1 0 2 0 — — 28 2
2020 17 0 1 0 — — 2[b] 0 20 1
Total 261 53 5 0 15 1 0 0 2 0 281 54
Austin FC 2021 MLS 33 7 — — — — 33 7
2022 34 6 3 0 1 1 — — 38 7
2023 19 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 2[c] 0 23 2
Total 86 15 3 0 2 1 2 0 2 0 95 16
LA Galaxy 2023 MLS 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 351 69 8 0 17 2 2 0 4 0 382 71
  1. ^Includes appearance(s) inMLS Cup Playoffs
  2. ^Includes appearance(s) inMLS is Back Tournament
  3. ^Includes appearance(s) inLeagues Cup

References

[edit]
  1. ^Bogert, Tom (August 1, 2023)."LA Galaxy acquire Diego Fagundez in trade with Austin FC: Sources".theathletic.RetrievedAugust 1,2023.
  2. ^"Austin FC Trades Diego Fagundez to LA Galaxy For Memo Rodríguez and General Allocation Money".austinfc.August 1, 2023.RetrievedAugust 1,2023.
  3. ^"Revs sign 15-year-old Diego Fagundez".New England Revolution.
  4. ^"Player Profile: Diego Fagundez".New England Revolution.
  5. ^"Fagundez Leominster Youth Soccer".Sentinel and Enterprise.
  6. ^"Alumni & College Commitments".revolutionsoccer.net.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  7. ^"Bolts Professional Player Legacy".bostonbolts.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  8. ^"Greatest Offensive Players in New England Revolution History".believeinbostonsports. September 30, 2019.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  9. ^"ODP Boys Interregional All-Stars".socceramerica. December 4, 2007.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  10. ^"National Top 100 Boys".Top Drawer Soccer.
  11. ^"Revs sign 15-year-old Diego Fagúndez".New England Revolution.
  12. ^"USOC: New England hold on to tip DC United 3–2".Archived fromthe originalon October 20, 2017.RetrievedApril 27,2011.
  13. ^"Revs' Fagúndez beaming over professional debut".
  14. ^"Chivas USA 3, Revs 2".New England Revolution. August 6, 2011.
  15. ^"Breakout season in 2013".MLS Soccer.
  16. ^O'Connell, Brian (October 23, 2014)."Fagundez relishes acquiring green card".ESPN.RetrievedAugust 30,2014.
  17. ^"MLS 36 Diego Fagúndez".YouTube.
  18. ^"24 Under 24: 2013 Rankings".Archived fromthe originalon October 10, 2013.RetrievedOctober 8,2013.
  19. ^"MLS: What's standing between Matt Turner and Europe?".August 28, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  20. ^"Revolution Transfer Rumor 2015 Diego Fagundez Linked to Atalanta".January 23, 2015.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  21. ^"Diego Fagundez MLS profile".MLS Soccer.
  22. ^"Man of the Year Award".The Midnight Riders.RetrievedOctober 12,2018.
  23. ^"Diego Fagundez's father hints at possible departure from Revolution".mlssoccer.RetrievedJanuary 22,2019.
  24. ^"New England Revolution 1, Montreal Impact 0 2018 MLS Match Recap".mlssoccer.RetrievedJanuary 22,2019.
  25. ^"Diego Fagundez: Revolution turn down Nacional transfer offer".prosoccerusa.RetrievedJanuary 22,2019.
  26. ^"Revolution announce year-end roster moves".revolutionsoccer.net. November 21, 2019.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  27. ^"Recap: Revolution and Chicago Fire FC play to 1–1 draw in Revs' home opener".March 7, 2020.RetrievedMarch 30,2020.
  28. ^"Revolution Midfielder Diego Fagundez Set To Break Club Record".October 30, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  29. ^"Philadelphia Union 2 New England Revolution 0 2020 MLS Match Recap".November 8, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  30. ^"Diego Fagundez attracting domestic and international offers".November 20, 2020.RetrievedDecember 7,2020.
  31. ^"Revolution give new deal to homegrown star Diego Fagundez".The Boston Globe.January 5, 2016.RetrievedDecember 7,2020.
  32. ^"Revolution start roster moves; Diego Fagundez listed as out of contract".The Boston Globe.December 8, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  33. ^"Diego Fagundez painfully parts with Revolution after contract impasse".The Boston Globe.December 9, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
  34. ^"Longtime Revs midfielder signs with Austin FC in free agency".January 5, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 5,2021.
  35. ^"HIGHLIGHTS: Austin FC tops Colorado Rapids, 3–1, secures first win in franchise history".April 24, 2021.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  36. ^"Diego Fagundez Scores Austin FC's First Ever MLS Goal".April 24, 2021.RetrievedApril 25,2021.
  37. ^"Minnesota United's latest loss is 1–0 to MLS expansion team Austin FC".Star Tribune.May 1, 2021.RetrievedMay 3,2021.
  38. ^@austinfc (June 19, 2021)."Today's Man of the Match, @diegofagundez14👏"– viaInstagram.
  39. ^Goodman, Eric (November 19, 2021)."The Verde Report: So What Happens Now?".austinchronicle.RetrievedAugust 2,2023.
  40. ^Goodman, Eric (August 1, 2023)."Austin FC Dumps Diego Fagundez in Stunning Trade".austinchronicle.RetrievedAugust 2,2023.
  41. ^"Austin FC's Diego Fagundez salvages draw with Seattle Sounders".espn.March 20, 2022.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
  42. ^Goodman, Eric (April 21, 2022)."Austin FC Stunned By USL's San Antonio FC in Open Cup Defeat".austinchronicle.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
  43. ^"Austin FC rally with three late goals to stun D.C. United".espn.April 16, 2022.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
  44. ^"Austin FC, Diego Fagundez Agree to New Multi-Year Contract".austinfc.February 22, 2023.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
  45. ^Gates, Billy (February 22, 2023)."Diego Fagundez, the first goal scorer in Austin FC history, signs new contract".kxan.RetrievedJuly 24,2023.
  46. ^Goodman, Eric (March 24, 2023)."The Verde Report: Austin FC's Attacking Blueprint Hits Early Season Snag".austinchronicle.RetrievedAugust 2,2023.
  47. ^Bogert, Tom (August 1, 2023)."LA Galaxy acquire Diego Fagundez in trade with Austin FC: Sources".theathletic.RetrievedAugust 1,2023.
  48. ^Gates, Billy (August 1, 2023)."Austin FC's Diego Fagundez traded to LA Galaxy for Memo Rodriguez, cash: report".kxan.RetrievedAugust 1,2023.
  49. ^Goodman, Eric (August 1, 2023)."Austin FC Dumps Diego Fagundez in Stunning Trade".austinchronicle.RetrievedAugust 2,2023.
  50. ^"Billy Sharp's hat trick helps Galaxy top Minnesota United".espn.September 21, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 26,2023.
  51. ^"Con caras nuevas"(in Spanish). futbol.uy. October 9, 2012.RetrievedJuly 22,2013.
  52. ^"Amistosos Sub 20".llamaceleste. October 15, 2013.RetrievedAugust 5,2013.
  53. ^Rojas, John E. (April 23, 2013)."MLS: Fagúndez a la espera del sueño Turquía"(in Spanish). goal.RetrievedJuly 22,2013.
  54. ^"Selección Peruana Sub 20 ganó 1–0 Uruguay en partido amistoso"(in Spanish). depor.pe. August 4, 2014.RetrievedAugust 30,2014.
  55. ^"Sub 20 igualó 1–1 con Uruguay en amistoso y sigue invicta [VIDEO]"(in Spanish). elbocon.pe. August 6, 2014.RetrievedAugust 30,2014.
  56. ^"URUGUAY 1 0 COLOMBIA".estadisticas.conmebol. January 16, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 16,2015.
  57. ^Koczara, Kevin (February 23, 2014)."The phenomenal life of Diego Fagundez".Boston Globe.RetrievedMay 17,2014.
  58. ^"Diego Fagundez gains U.S. permanent resident status".revolutionsoccer.net.New England Revolution. October 21, 2013.RetrievedMarch 25,2020.
  59. ^"Uruguay – D. Fagúndez – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway".
  60. ^Diego FagúndezatMajor League Soccer
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