Revs Sign Ex-Chivas USA Trialist GK Jackson

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: April 9, 2014

Nearly three weeks after signing, then promptly sending Matt Pickens to the NASL, the New England Revolution signed ex-Chivas USA trialist goalkeeper Larry Jackson on Wednesday.

Jackson, who spent last season with PDL sides FC Tucson and the Des Moines Menace, started training with the local XI last week. Incidentally, the 23-year-old keeper suited up against the Revolution for the first half of the club’s 3-2 preseason loss to Chivas USA on Feb. 22.

“It’s been a long road, on so many teams and try-outs, so it’s great to end up at a place like this,” Jackson told paloaltoonline.com on Tuesday. “There is so much heart and dedication here. Everyone has been great so far. I have been training so hard in the past couple of years, at so many levels, so it’s so rewarding to have signed here.”

The former Santa Clara University keeper was named 2012 West Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, but was not selected in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He was given a trial with the Colorado Rapids last year – coincidentally after an injury sidelined Pickens – but was not signed. He served as an undergraduate assistant at his alma mater last fall.

Jackson is the second former FC Tucson goalkeeper to trial with the Revolution this year. Michael D’Arrigo trained with the club during the first two weeks of the season.

Revolution general manager Michael Burns has said in the past that the coaching staff prefers to have three keepers available for training every week. Sophomore goalkeeper Luis Soffner was loaned out to USL-PRO affiliate Rochester last month.

The 5-11, 178 lbs. keeper was infamously listed as “Trialist GK” on the Chivas USA match report for the club’s 2-2 draw to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Feb. 5.

“I want to work to be consistent every day, to show my teammates and my coaches constant improvement,” said Jackson. “You can’t be complacent on an MLS team. Whenever they call me to play, I want to be ready.”

With Jackson on board, the Revolution roster stands at 28.