Ex-Rev Sousa Signs with Boston

Fall River, Mass. native Andrew Sousa will continue his playing career in his home state this year after signing with Boston Victory on Friday. (Photo: Providence College Athletics)

Former Revolution midfielder Andrew Sousa will join Boston Victory for the 2012 season, the team announced on Friday.

Sousa, a native of Fall River, Mass., was drafted by New England in the third round of the MLS Supplemental Draft in 2011, scored two goals in eight games with the Revolution reserve team last season, but did not make an appearance with the first team during league play.

“Andrew is a very talented player who will bring experience and some extra quality to our midfield,” said Boston Victory head coach Sergio Taborda in a statement. “It is important to us that we have signed a local player who grew up and learned to play soccer in Massachusetts. I am sure he will quickly become a favorite among our fans this season.”

Sousa, who played collegiately at Providence College and also featured in Taborda’s squad during last weekend’s exhibition against New Jersey, noted that the ability to play for a local club certainly appealed to him.

“I think it is a great opportunity for me to represent a club in our area,” said Sousa in a statement. “I have always been a local type of guy involved in my community and for me to play for a team in Boston with a lot of passionate supporters and members who run the team.”

In addition to playing for the Revolution in 2011, the 22-year-old midfielder also spent time with former PDL side Rhode Island Stingrays in 2009.

Sousa is the second native New Englander of last year’s Revolution draft class to sign with a regionally-based PDL side. In March, Naugatuck, Conn. native Ryan Kinne, who was taken by New England in the third round of the 2011 SuperDraft, signed with CFC Azul.

Incidentally, Kinne and Sousa won’t have to wait very long to face each other on the field. Boston kicks off its regular season campaign in New Haven against the Azul on May 5.