FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution today re-signed defender Andrew Farrell to a multi-year contract. Farrell, selected by the Revolution with the first-overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, will remain with the club beyond what is currently his eighth season in New England.
Recognized in March 2020 as one of 11 players named to the Revolution’s All-Time Team as decided by a fan vote, Farrell has been a mainstay in the team’s starting lineup throughout his professional career. The three-time Revolution Defender of the Year ranks among the club’s historical leaders in several categories including games played (sixth) and games started (fifth), and minutes played (fourth). A 2016 MLS All-Star who was a central figure in the team’s 2014 MLS Eastern Conference Championship run, Farrell has proven to be one of the league’s top ironmen throughout his career. The 28-year old leads all MLS outfield players in regular season appearances and games started since he entered the league in 2013, trailing only goalkeeper Luis Robles in both categories.
“Andrew Farrell has been an outstanding player and person for the Revolution over the past seven years,” Revolution Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said of the center back. “He is a great leader and representative for our club, and has proved to be a durable and consistent player throughout his career. We are pleased that Andrew will remain a Revolution player for many years to come.”
For his MLS career, the Louisville, Ky. native has accrued 19,511 minutes played across 221 appearances and 219 starts, with two goals and eight assists in regular season play. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Farrell has added eight starts and 780 minutes played.
“I’m thrilled to sign this extension with the Revolution and to continue my career in New England. I’ve always felt like New England was a second home for me, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of our fans over the years,” Farrell said. “Now with the new training facility, Bruce Arena and the coaching staff, and the roster they’ve put together, I’m more excited than ever to be a part of this club and build something special.”
Beloved by fans for his consistency and leadership, Farrell also sets a high standard with his work in the community, most notably through his enduring and personal support of Special Olympics, both in Massachusetts and Kentucky. In addition to hosting fundraisers in his home state, Farrell has been a close partner of the Revolution’s Special Olympics Massachusetts Unified soccer team since 2016. For his heartfelt support of the Revolution’s Unified team, the club’s childhood cancer initiatives, and countless other programs, Farrell was voted the Revolution’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2018.
Prior to being selected by New England with the first-overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Farrell was a three-year starter and first-team All-American at the University of Louisville. As a junior, he was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and was voted a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top men’s college soccer player. He helped the Cardinals advance to the NCAA Tournament in all three seasons, including an appearance in the 2010 NCAA College Cup Final.
Farrell graduated from Atherton High School in Louisville, though he also spent 10 years of his childhood living in Lima, Peru, where he became a fluent Spanish speaker.
The Revolution will return to action in the MLS is Back Tournament this July at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The Revolution were drawn into Group C, where the club will face fellow Eastern Conference sides Toronto FC, D.C. United, and the Montreal Impact. Click here to view the complete results of group stage draw, and for all information on the MLS is Back Tournament, view Major League Soccer’s press release here.
