Add another early departure to the ranks of Division I college soccer.

Virginia standout freshman defender Aboubacar Keita signed a Homegrown deal with the Columbus Crew

“We are excited to officially welcome Aboubacar to the First Team as he has long been a part of the Columbus Crew SC family,” President Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. “It’s always a proud moment for the Club when an Academy player is able to make the transition onto the First Team, and it reinforces our belief about the long-term importance of investing in and developing Academy talent. This is a special day for Aboubacar, the Keita family and for the Crew.”

.@Aboubacar_11’s moment 🎥 // #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/X9iSBtpzsN

— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) January 22, 2019

After joining Virginia as one of the top recruits for the class of 2018, Keita made an immediate impression in the ACC. He started in 17 games for the Cavaliers in the fall, earning All-ACC Freshman Team honors and was a member of the TopDrawerSoccer.com Postseason Freshman Best XI Second Team. 

Prior to playing college soccer, Keita played for the Crew Academy from 2016-2018, making 43 appearances during that stretch. He's also been called into various U.S. youth national team camps, including a spot in a Under-20 Men's National Team camp in January.