Darrius Barnes (right) battles New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo for the ball when he was with the New England Revolution last year. (William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports)
NEW YORK – A day before kicking off the North American Soccer League season, the Cosmos announced Friday they had signed former New England Revolution midfielder Darrius Barnes.
It was not immediately known whether the 30-year-old Barnes will be available for Saturday’s opener at Puerto Rico FC.
As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Barnes played with the Major League Soccer side from 2009-16, making 129 appearances and scoring two goals.
“Darrius is yet another great addition to our 2017 squad,” Cosmos head coach and sporting director Giovanni Savarese said in a press release. “As we get closer to our season opener, we want to make sure we prepare our roster the best possible way and adding an experienced player like Darrius is getting us closer to where we want to be.”
Barnes was drafted by the Revs in the fourth round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He featured at fullback and center back. He was the only field player in MLS to compete in every minute of the 2009 season. The Duke University graduate never has been red carded.
“I am looking forward to playing this season with the New York Cosmos,” Barnes said in a statement. “This is, without a doubt, one of the most regarded soccer clubs in the United States and one can only feel proud of defending its colors.”
The Raleigh, N.C. native played youth soccer for the Capital Area Soccer League and Triangle Futbol Club. He led TFC to the championship of the Tampa Bay Sun Bowl in December 2004. He was a member of the 2007 Carolina RailHawks U-23 squad. Barnes also participated in numerous prestigious programs, including the Super-Y Regional Olympic Development Program (2004) and the Adidas Elite Soccer Program (2003 and 2004).
Barnes made 76 appearances, including 70 starts, during his four-year collegiate career. During his senior year, he earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-South Region first team. He scored one goal in 18 games and contributed to 32 shutouts on defense. He was named Duke rookie of the year in 2005.
