NEW YORK (January 15, 2016) – The New York Cosmos announced today the signing of United States Under-17 national team midfielder Eric Calvillo. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A native of Southern California, Calvillo was selected to the 21-player U.S. U-17 roster at last October’s U-17 World Cup in Chile. He appeared in all three matches for his country, starting two and compiling 202 minutes on the pitch. Now Calvillo will join fellow U.S. U-17 international and California native Alexis Velela in New York.

“Eric is a talented player with great potential,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. “We are committed to developing young players and offering them a pathway in professional soccer. Last year we added the B team, and this year our fully funded Academy will start.  Players like Eric Calvillo and Alexis Velela are part of this investment.”

“Signing my first professional contract with a club like the New York Cosmos is incredible,” said Calvillo. “Wearing the same colors as all-time greats like Pelé, Marcos Senna and Raúl is a privilege.”

Calvillo, a versatile player comfortable in the No. 6 spot and as a box-to-box midfielder, came through U.S. Soccer Development Academy club Real So Cal. He becomes the third active U.S. youth international to sign with the Cosmos, following Velela and former Cosmos striker Haji Wright.