Luis Barraza saw some consistent action for NYCFC during the Concacaf Gold Cup. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)
NEW YORK – New York City FC Wednesday announced that goalkeeper Luis Barraza has signed a contract extension through the 2023 season with additional option years in 2024 and 2025.
The Las Cruces, New Mexico native joined the club as the 12th overall choice in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft after a standout career at Marquette University, where he claimed the Big East goalkeeper of the year award in 2018 in addition to being named in the conference’s first team selection. NYCFC traded its 19th pick and $75,000 in General Allocation Money to move up in the draft to acquire the Golden Eagles’ goalkeeper.
“It’s been three years of hard work and a lot of learning,” Barraza said in a statement. “I’ve learned a lot about the people around me during this time and a lot about myself as well. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to keep working and learning from the people around me.
“Ever since I got to New York, the club, the city, I’ve loved it here, I still love it. The environment, the people, the fans. That’s why it was not a difficult decision to renew here, I’m working every day with great coaches and players and I’m happy and that’s the most important part.”
Barraza, 24, made his competitive debut in the Concacaf Champions League against Mexican side Tigres UANL last December. The third-year goalie has made five starts this season while Sean Johnson was with the U.S. men’s national team during the Concacaf Gold Cup. In those starts, Barraza recorded three wins, two clean sheets and one assist with a 72.9 percent passing percentage.
“We’re really pleased Luis has signed an extension with the club,” NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a statementn. “Luis is a talented young goalkeeper who has developed tremendously over the past three years since signing professionally and fully deserves this new contract.
“It is really important to have a strong goalkeeper group and Luis has shown this season that he is ready to play at MLS level. We’re excited for his progression to continue here at NYCFC and look forward to helping him maximize his potential as a player.”
