NYCFC signs Scally to homegrown contract

by Travis Clark
March 21, 2018

Another '02 has signed.

Joseph Scally became the latest player born in 2002 to sign a contract with an MLS franchise, as he signed a deal to join NYCFC, the club announced on Wednesday.

“It’s a dream come true for me, I’ve wanted to be a professional soccer player ever since I was a little kid and to get to do it right here at home in New York, at this club, makes it extra special," Scally told NYCFC.com. “It was an easy decision, there are so many great professional coaches and players here who can help me improve every aspect of my game."

An enterprizing right back that can get up and down the flank with ease, Scally's been a part of the NYCFC Academy since the 2015-16 season, playing for the U14 team that season. He has 14 appearances playing up with the U19s during the current campaign, and is the No. 2 player in the 2021 Boys IMG Academy Top 150 rankings.

“Joe has been one of the top performers in the Academy for the past few seasons and represented US Soccer at U-15 and U-17 level," Sporting Director Claudio Reyna told NYCFC.com. “He has all of the attributes we look for in a right-back: he’s strong in defense and can support in attack to help create chances from wide areas.”

Scally's been a fixture in the U15 and U17 U.S. youth sides over the past couple of years, and was called up for the Nike Friendlies in December 2017. He impressed during NYCFC's preseason with the first team, making trips to Mexico, Florida and California. Once he is finished his current school year, he will join the team on a full-time basis this summer.

The right back is the fifth '02 to sign with an MLS side, joining George Bello (Atlanta United), Gianluca Busio (Sporting KC), Efrain Alvarez (LA Galaxy) and Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes).

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