Cosmos Ink U.S. U-17 International Eric Calvillo

The New York Cosmos announced Friday the signing of United States U-17 national team midfielder Eric Calvillo. 

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,” Cosmos head coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese said. “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,” Calvillo said. “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.