Defender Kevin Politz Wednesday became the 18th player to sign a Homegrown contract with the Red Bulls.
A product of the Red Bull Academy, the Morganville, N.J. native agreed to terms after he completed four seasons at Wake Forest University.
Politz became the second center back to join the MLS club. Earlier in the day, New York completed a trade that sent veteran midfielder Sacha Kljestan to Orlando City SC for center back Tommy Redding and forward Carlos Rivas.
“We are pleased to add Kevin to our club after a successful college career,” Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. “Kevin has earned this opportunity with his play at Wake Forest and with our Under-23 team the last two summers. He has qualities that we like and look for in center backs, and we look forward to his continued development in our environment.”
Politz was named an All-American by the United Soccer Coaches and the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year while helping the team to the NCAA Division I quarterfinals. He anchored a backline that lead the ACC with 10 shutouts and 0.56 goals-against average.
“We are really excited to add on another quality Homegrown player to our squad,” Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch said in a press release. “Kevin [Politz] has had a great career at Wake Forest both on and off the field, and we are excited for him to continue his career with us.”
Politz also was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and was a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American. He carried a 3.94 GPA as a mathematical business major
“It is an awesome feeling to be able to sign a Homegrown contract,” Politz said. “I have been a part of this organization for almost eight years now. I am truly blessed to sign this homegrown deal and very excited to get started.”
While with the Red Bulls Academy, Politz won the U.S. Soccer Academy national championship in 2012 and 2013 and was named to the 2013 NSCAA Youth Boys All-America Team. He has also represented the U.S. at youth international levels.
