Diego Fagúndez
Fagúndez in 2012
Personal information
Full name Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe
Date of birth (1995-02-14) February 14, 1995
Place of birth Montevideo, Uruguay
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, forward
Team information
Current team
 LA Galaxy
Number 21
Youth career
2000–2007 Leominster Youth Soccer
2007–2009 Greater Boston Bolts
2009–2010 New England Revolution
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2020 New England Revolution 261 (53)
2021–2023 Austin FC 89 (15)
2023– LA Galaxy 6 (1)
International career
2012–2015 Uruguay U20 8 (0)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Uruguay
South American U-20 Championship
Third place2015 Uruguay
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:20, 26 September 2023 (UTC)

Diego Santiago Fagúndez Pepe (born February 14, 1995) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.[1][2]

Early life

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Fagúndez moved with his family to Leominster, Massachusetts when he was five years old.[3][4] Fagúndez began his career playing for Leominster Youth Soccer.[5]

He then went on to play for FC United (Massachusetts) and FC Greater Boston Bolts, before joining the New England Revolution academy team in 2009.[6] He was a State Cup finalist with FC United 2005 and winner in 2006.[7] He won the State Cup with FC Greater Boston Bolts in 2008 and 2009. He also played for the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2006 to 2009, as captain from 2008 to 2009.[8] He was named a 2007–2008 Adidas Interregional All-Star as a member of the Region I ODP team.[9] In his debut season he led the Revs' U-16 squad to a 14–7–8 record (50 pts), placing first in the Northeast Division of the US Soccer Development Academy. He scored 20 goals in 30 appearances, tying Felix Debona for the team lead in goals.

On March 10, 2011, Top Drawer Soccer named Fagúndez their number one ranked player nationally in the class of 2013.[10]

Club career

New England Revolution

On November 15, 2010, Fagúndez was signed to a contract by the New England Revolution,[11] making him the first ever homegrown player the Revolution signed from its youth academy. Although on the main club roster, he continued to train with and play for the academy team.

He made his full professional debut on April 26, 2011, in a Revs' 3–2 victory over D.C. United in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.[12][13] He made his league debut on August 6, 2011, as a substitute against Chivas USA, where he drew a penalty (which was converted by Shalrie Joseph) and scored his first goal for New England.[14]

Fagúndez became a regular starter for the New England Revolution in 2013, when he had a successful breakout season, scoring 13 goals and assisting 7.[15] Fagúndez quickly became one of MLS's great young talents, and won player of the week honors in week 14 of the 2013 MLS season. Fagúndez obtained a US green card in October 2013 qualifying him as a domestic player under MLS squad rules.[16] He was featured on an episode of documentary television show that MLS 36 in August 2013.[17]

Prior to the start of the 2015 season, rumors emerged of interest in Fagúndez from Serie A sides Atalanta B.C. and ACF Fiorentina, Neither side, however, was willing to match the $4 million fee asked by the Revolution for Fagúndez's services.[18][19]

During the 2015 season, Fagúndez became the youngest player in MLS history to reach 100 appearances for his club.[20]

Fagúndez was named the Midnight Riders Man of Year at the conclusion of the 2017 MLS season.[21]

On October 28, 2018, prior to the Revolution's final match of the 2018 season, Fagúndez's father (who also serves as his agent) posted a tweet insinuating that it could be his son's final appearance for the franchise.[22] The match, against the Montreal Impact, saw Fagúndez's 50th career MLS goal. He is currently the youngest player in MLS history to score 50 goals.[23]

On January 22, 2019, multiple sources reported that the Revolution turned down an offer from Club Nacional de Football for Fagúndez.[24]

The Revolution exercised Fagúndez's 2020 contract option prior to the start of the 2020 season.[25]

Fagúndez made his 244th appearance for the Revolution in the franchises' 2020 season opener against the Chicago Fire, tying Jay Heaps for fourth most appearances all time.[26]

Going into the final match of the 2020 regular season against the Philadelphia Union, Fagúndez was one appearance shy of breaking the Revolution's all-time appearance record, held by Shalrie Joseph.[27] Fagúndez did not appear in the match, thus ending the season one appearance shy of breaking the record. The Revolution lost the match 2–0.[28]

On November 20, 2020, as Fagúndez was nearing the end of his contract with the Revolution, news emerged that Fagúndez had received an offer for a contract extension from the Revolution as well as interest from other MLS clubs, and clubs in La Liga and Liga MX.[29] In 2016 Fagúndez had signed a three-year contract plus a club option for a fourth year.[30]

On December 8, 2020, the Revolution announced their end of season roster moves. Fagúndez was listed as out of contract with the franchise. On his personal Instagram account, he posted a farewell statement to the Revolution and their fans stating that it was time for him to move on.[31] In an interview with The Boston Globe's Frank Dell'Apa, Fagúndez stated that he wanted to remain with the team, but felt a low-ball offer was presented, and he declined to accept it.[32]

Austin FC

On January 5, 2021, Fagúndez signed a one-year deal with Austin FC.[33] On April 24, 2021, Fagúndez made his first starting appearance for his new team, and scored the first goal in the franchise's history in its 3–1 win over the Colorado Rapids.[34][35] He would score again the following week, this time notching the game winner in the franchise's 1–0 win over Minnesota United.[36] He was the Man of the Match for Austin's first-ever home match in a 0–0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes[37] and quickly became a fan favorite.[38][39] Fagundez scored his first goal of the 2022 season, an equalizer in a 1–1 draw against the Seattle Sounders as a substitute.[40] He also had Austin's first ever goal in national competition play in a 2–1 loss to San Antonio FC of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup on April 20.[41] Three days later, Fagundez had two second half assists to come back from 2–0 and win 3–2 at D.C. United including the game-winning goal.[42]

In February 2023 Fagundez signed a new three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year.[43] At the time of signing he was the club's all-time leader in assists with 20, having added 15 during the 2022 season.[44] After a difficult Austin start to the 2023 season, Fagundez received criticism from head coach Josh Wolff that he was not living up to his new contract.[45]

LA Galaxy

On August 1, 2023 Fagundez was traded to the LA Galaxy in return for Memo Rodríguez, $300,000 in General Allocation Money and potentially another $600,000 in General Allocation Money add-ons.[46][47] The trade was not popular with Austin supporters, and was criticized as "desperate, over-reactionary, and frankly tone-deaf."[48]

Fagundez scored his first goal, an 82nd minute game winner, for the Galaxy on September 21, 2023, in a 4-3 victory over Minnesota United.[49]

International career

Fagúndez is a former Uruguay youth international. He made his debut for Uruguay U20 team in October 2012.[50] He played two games for Uruguay U20 against Peru in that month. In the first he entered as a substitute in the 83rd minute; in the second fixture he was brought on in the 45th minute.[51]

In April 2013, he stated that he would be willing to represent either Uruguay or the United States at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[52] However, he was not called up by Uruguay and was not eligible for represent U.S. at the time due to not having citizenship.

In August 2014, he was called up again for the Uruguay U20 national team and played in two games against Peru, a 1–0 win victory and a 1–1 draw.[53][54]

In January 2015, Fagúndez was called up for the 2015 South American Youth Championship. He played in Uruguay's 1–0 victory over Colombia.[55]

Personal life

Diego's father, Washington Fagúndez, was a professional footballer in Uruguay who played as a goalkeeper with Central Español in the 1990s. Diego is the godson of former Uruguayan international footballer and 1995 Copa América winner Diego Dorta, after whom he is named.[56]

Fagúndez received his U.S. green card in October 2013, which qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.[57]

Career statistics

As of September 26, 2023[58][59]
Club Season Division League Playoffs[lower-alpha 1] U.S. Open Cup CCL Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
New England Revolution 2011 MLS 62—00——62
2012 202—10——212
2013 31132010——3413
2014 3150020——335
2015 3061010——326
2016 346—50——396
2017 327—31——358
2018 339—00——339
2019 2521020——282
2020 17010——2[lower-alpha 2]0201
Total 2615350151002028154
Austin FC 2021 MLS 337————337
2022 3463011——387
2023 1920010202[lower-alpha 3]0232
Total 8615302120209516
LA Galaxy 2023 MLS 610000000000
Career total 3516980172204038271
  1. ↑ Includes appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs
  2. ↑ Includes appearance(s) in MLS is Back Tournament
  3. ↑ Includes appearance(s) in Leagues Cup

References

  1. ↑ Bogert, Tom (August 1, 2023). "LA Galaxy acquire Diego Fagundez in trade with Austin FC: Sources". theathletic.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Austin FC Trades Diego Fagundez to LA Galaxy For Memo Rodríguez and General Allocation Money". www.austinfc.com. August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Revs sign 15-year-old Diego Fagundez". New England Revolution.
  4. ↑ "Player Profile: Diego Fagundez". New England Revolution.
  5. ↑ "Fagundez Leominster Youth Soccer". Sentinel and Enterprise.
  6. ↑ "Alumni & College Commitments". revolutionsoccer.net. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Bolts Professional Player Legacy". bostonbolts.com. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Greatest Offensive Players in New England Revolution History". believeinbostonsports.com. September 30, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  9. ↑ "ODP Boys Interregional All-Stars". socceramerica.com. December 4, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  10. ↑ "National Top 100 Boys". Top Drawer Soccer.
  11. ↑ "Revs sign 15-year-old Diego Fagúndez". New England Revolution.
  12. ↑ "USOC: New England hold on to tip DC United 3–2".
  13. ↑ "Revs' Fagúndez beaming over professional debut".
  14. ↑ "Chivas USA 3, Revs 2". New England Revolution. August 6, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Breakout season in 2013". MLS Soccer.
  16. ↑ O'Connell, Brian (October 23, 2014). "Fagundez relishes acquiring green card". ESPN. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  17. ↑ "MLS 36 Diego Fagúndez". YouTube.
  18. ↑ "MLS: What's standing between Matt Turner and Europe?". August 28, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Revolution Transfer Rumor 2015 Diego Fagundez Linked to Atalanta". January 23, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Diego Fagundez MLS profile". MLS Soccer.
  21. ↑ "Man of the Year Award". The Midnight Riders. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Diego Fagundez's father hints at possible departure from Revolution". www.mlssoccer.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  23. ↑ "New England Revolution 1, Montreal Impact 0 2018 MLS Match Recap". www.mlssoccer.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Diego Fagundez: Revolution turn down Nacional transfer offer". www.prosoccerusa.com. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  25. ↑ "Revolution announce year-end roster moves". revolutionsoccer.net. November 21, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Recap: Revolution and Chicago Fire FC play to 1–1 draw in Revs' home opener". March 7, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Revolution Midfielder Diego Fagundez Set To Break Club Record". October 30, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Philadelphia Union 2 New England Revolution 0 2020 MLS Match Recap". November 8, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Diego Fagundez attracting domestic and international offers". November 20, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  30. ↑ "Revolution give new deal to homegrown star Diego Fagundez". January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Revolution start roster moves; Diego Fagundez listed as out of contract". December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Diego Fagundez painfully parts with Revolution after contract impasse". December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  33. ↑ "Longtime Revs midfielder signs with Austin FC in free agency". January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  34. ↑ "HIGHLIGHTS: Austin FC tops Colorado Rapids, 3–1, secures first win in franchise history". April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Diego Fagundez Scores Austin FC's First Ever MLS Goal". April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Minnesota United's latest loss is 1–0 to MLS expansion team Austin FC". May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  37. ↑ @austinfc (June 19, 2021). "Today's Man of the Match, @diegofagundez14👏" – via Instagram.
  38. ↑ Goodman, Eric (November 19, 2021). "The Verde Report: So What Happens Now?". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  39. ↑ Goodman, Eric (August 1, 2023). "Austin FC Dumps Diego Fagundez in Stunning Trade". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Austin FC's Diego Fagundez salvages draw with Seattle Sounders". www.espn.com. March 20, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  41. ↑ Goodman, Eric (April 21, 2022). "Austin FC Stunned By USL's San Antonio FC in Open Cup Defeat". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Austin FC rally with three late goals to stun D.C. United". www.espn.com. April 16, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Austin FC, Diego Fagundez Agree to New Multi-Year Contract". www.austinfc.com. February 22, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  44. ↑ Gates, Billy (February 22, 2023). "Diego Fagundez, the first goal scorer in Austin FC history, signs new contract". www.kxan.com. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  45. ↑ Goodman, Eric (March 24, 2023). "The Verde Report: Austin FC's Attacking Blueprint Hits Early Season Snag". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  46. ↑ Bogert, Tom (August 1, 2023). "LA Galaxy acquire Diego Fagundez in trade with Austin FC: Sources". theathletic.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  47. ↑ Gates, Billy (August 1, 2023). "Austin FC's Diego Fagundez traded to LA Galaxy for Memo Rodriguez, cash: report". www.kxan.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  48. ↑ Goodman, Eric (August 1, 2023). "Austin FC Dumps Diego Fagundez in Stunning Trade". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Billy Sharp's hat trick helps Galaxy top Minnesota United". espn.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Con caras nuevas" (in Spanish). futbol.com.uy. October 9, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  51. ↑ "Amistosos Sub 20". llamaceleste.com. October 15, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  52. ↑ Rojas, John E. (April 23, 2013). "MLS: Fagúndez a la espera del sueño Turquía" (in Spanish). goal.com. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  53. ↑ "Selección Peruana Sub 20 ganó 1–0 Uruguay en partido amistoso" (in Spanish). depor.pe. August 4, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  54. ↑ "Sub 20 igualó 1–1 con Uruguay en amistoso y sigue invicta [VIDEO]" (in Spanish). elbocon.pe. August 6, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  55. ↑ "URUGUAY 1 0 COLOMBIA". estadisticas.conmebol.com. January 16, 2015. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  56. ↑ Koczara, Kevin (February 23, 2014). "The phenomenal life of Diego Fagundez". Boston Globe. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  57. ↑ "Diego Fagundez gains U.S. permanent resident status". revolutionsoccer.net. New England Revolution. October 21, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  58. ↑ "Uruguay – D. Fagúndez – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway".
  59. ↑ Diego Fagúndez at Major League Soccer
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