Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com
Pacifici Signs with Columbus Crew
3/4/2016 3:43:00 PM | Men's Soccer
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former Davidson standout and all-conference goalkeeper Matt Pacifici has signed with the Columbus Crew SC of Major League Soccer, as announced Friday morning.
Pacifici, who participated in the duration of preseason training camp, held Real Salt Lake scoreless over 28 minutes on February 24 during the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Arizona. In addition, the Charlotte native had a clean sheet over 45 minutes in a February 27 exhibition win over the Colorado Rapids.
Columbus, the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, will open the 2016 season with a nationally-televised (ESPN) contest against the Portland Timbers on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Columbus Crew SC Press Release
Columbus Crew Website | Columbus Crew Bio | Columbus Crew Schedule
Pacifici Video
Spear Video
Davidson Bio
Pacifici Bio
Name: Matt Pacifici
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180
Born: August 31, 1993 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed by Columbus Crew SC on March 4, 2016
Previous Experience: Davidson College (2012-2015)
Comments from Pacifici
"I couldn't be more excited for this tremendous opportunity. To land on a team that is poised for another deep playoff run is very rare for a young player, so couldn't be happier to call Columbus home. Being able to play with big name players like Kei Kamara and Federico Higuian has been unbelievable and it's amazing how being in this environment can elevate your level of play in just a few weeks. And I am thrilled to be another Davidson athlete in the pros and beyond thankful for what Davidson has allowed me to do. The coaching staff has been a tremendous help in my development as both a player and a person. My teammates have driven me to become the best player possible every day and I'm extremely grateful for that. I hope I can continue to give back to Davidson and help extend the Wildcat brand on the professional stage."
College Experience
Pacifici played 70 games over his college career with Davidson, including 11 clean sheets. He recorded a shutout in his first-ever collegiate start, on August 27, 2012 against Clemson. During his junior season in 2014, he notched a career and school-best 0.65 goals-against average with seven shutouts en route to being named Second Team All-Conference. In addition, he led the Wildcats to wins over Duke and eventual NCAA Champion Virginia. A two-year captain, he earned Davidson's Charlie Slagle Coach's Award in 2015 as well as Atlantic 10 All-Academic and Senior CLASS Award First Team honors.
Personal
Son of Dino and Susan Pacifici… brother, Nick… Finished his course work in December in economics and hispanic studies… 2015 summer Investment banking analyst for Bank of America Leveraged Finance in Charlotte... Studied/traveled abroad in Spain during the Summer of 2013... Served as a Data/Stats Intern with the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA... During the 2014 summer worked as an Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Global Treasury Solutions).
Davidson Men's Soccer in Major League Soccer
Rob Ukrop '93; New England Revolution
Alex Caskey '11; Seattle Soundsers; DC United
Matt Pacifici '15; Columbus Crew
What They're Saying About Pacifici…
"We were impressed with Matt during our preseason and saw his commitment to improvement as he learns our style of play. We look forward to monitoring his development during his rookie season and we're pleased to have him on our roster as we begin the 2016 campaign."
"We are so pumped up for Matt, and it's massive for his family too. It's also huge for his Davidson teammates, as they are his brothers. We can all feed off this accomplishment and it will inspire further excellence. The Crew is a great organization and I believe we share a lot in terms of culture. Matt has arrived, and now he's determined to make the most it."
"I am very excited for Matt. He has a fantastic work rate, a positive attitude, and a desire to become a better goalkeeper every day."
"I am tremendously happy for both Matt and the Crew regarding his signing. Matt is both a top class player and person. His passion for the game is clear the moment he begins training and is evident through his performance. He has the heart and physical talent to challenge any pro on the field. I am confident that his talent mixed with the great staff at the Crew will yield tremendous results and make for an exciting future."
"I started working with Matt when he was 12 and I am super proud. He put the time and effort in to his craft, and maximized his opportunities. And it's his character and drive that are big parts of his path."
"It is exciting to see another member of the Davidson Soccer family sign with Major League Soccer. I'm happy for Matt to represent Davidson College, his family, and his teammates at the top level of professional soccer in the United States. It is well-deserved and I look forward to cheering him on from afar. I told him to enjoy his soccer journey and that there are lots of alumni who believe in him."
"I am thrilled for Matt and excited to see another Davidson soccer product in the MLS. I am sure he will adapt well to the professional environment, and I am eager to see him develop as his career progresses."
Pacifici, who participated in the duration of preseason training camp, held Real Salt Lake scoreless over 28 minutes on February 24 during the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Arizona. In addition, the Charlotte native had a clean sheet over 45 minutes in a February 27 exhibition win over the Colorado Rapids.
Columbus, the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, will open the 2016 season with a nationally-televised (ESPN) contest against the Portland Timbers on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Columbus Crew SC Press Release
Columbus Crew Website | Columbus Crew Bio | Columbus Crew Schedule
Pacifici Video
Spear Video
Davidson Bio
Pacifici Bio
Name: Matt Pacifici
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180
Born: August 31, 1993 in Charlotte, North Carolina
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed by Columbus Crew SC on March 4, 2016
Previous Experience: Davidson College (2012-2015)
Comments from Pacifici
"I couldn't be more excited for this tremendous opportunity. To land on a team that is poised for another deep playoff run is very rare for a young player, so couldn't be happier to call Columbus home. Being able to play with big name players like Kei Kamara and Federico Higuian has been unbelievable and it's amazing how being in this environment can elevate your level of play in just a few weeks. And I am thrilled to be another Davidson athlete in the pros and beyond thankful for what Davidson has allowed me to do. The coaching staff has been a tremendous help in my development as both a player and a person. My teammates have driven me to become the best player possible every day and I'm extremely grateful for that. I hope I can continue to give back to Davidson and help extend the Wildcat brand on the professional stage."
College Experience
Pacifici played 70 games over his college career with Davidson, including 11 clean sheets. He recorded a shutout in his first-ever collegiate start, on August 27, 2012 against Clemson. During his junior season in 2014, he notched a career and school-best 0.65 goals-against average with seven shutouts en route to being named Second Team All-Conference. In addition, he led the Wildcats to wins over Duke and eventual NCAA Champion Virginia. A two-year captain, he earned Davidson's Charlie Slagle Coach's Award in 2015 as well as Atlantic 10 All-Academic and Senior CLASS Award First Team honors.
Personal
Son of Dino and Susan Pacifici… brother, Nick… Finished his course work in December in economics and hispanic studies… 2015 summer Investment banking analyst for Bank of America Leveraged Finance in Charlotte... Studied/traveled abroad in Spain during the Summer of 2013... Served as a Data/Stats Intern with the Charlotte Bobcats of the NBA... During the 2014 summer worked as an Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Global Treasury Solutions).
Davidson Men's Soccer in Major League Soccer
Rob Ukrop '93; New England Revolution
Alex Caskey '11; Seattle Soundsers; DC United
Matt Pacifici '15; Columbus Crew
What They're Saying About Pacifici…
"We were impressed with Matt during our preseason and saw his commitment to improvement as he learns our style of play. We look forward to monitoring his development during his rookie season and we're pleased to have him on our roster as we begin the 2016 campaign."
Gregg Berhalter -- Columbus Crew Sporting Director / Head Coach
"We are so pumped up for Matt, and it's massive for his family too. It's also huge for his Davidson teammates, as they are his brothers. We can all feed off this accomplishment and it will inspire further excellence. The Crew is a great organization and I believe we share a lot in terms of culture. Matt has arrived, and now he's determined to make the most it."
Matt Spear – Davidson Head Coach
"I am very excited for Matt. He has a fantastic work rate, a positive attitude, and a desire to become a better goalkeeper every day."
Jason Strange – Davidson Goalkeeper Coach
"I am tremendously happy for both Matt and the Crew regarding his signing. Matt is both a top class player and person. His passion for the game is clear the moment he begins training and is evident through his performance. He has the heart and physical talent to challenge any pro on the field. I am confident that his talent mixed with the great staff at the Crew will yield tremendous results and make for an exciting future."
Eric Reed – Current Bowling Green Assistant Coach
Former Davidson Goalkeeper Coach
Former Davidson Goalkeeper Coach
"I started working with Matt when he was 12 and I am super proud. He put the time and effort in to his craft, and maximized his opportunities. And it's his character and drive that are big parts of his path."
Scott Schweitzer – Carolina Rapids Goalkeeper Director
"It is exciting to see another member of the Davidson Soccer family sign with Major League Soccer. I'm happy for Matt to represent Davidson College, his family, and his teammates at the top level of professional soccer in the United States. It is well-deserved and I look forward to cheering him on from afar. I told him to enjoy his soccer journey and that there are lots of alumni who believe in him."
Rob Ukrop '93 – Davidson All American
Former New England Revolution (MLS) striker and long time pro
Former New England Revolution (MLS) striker and long time pro
"Matt was one of the most competitive players I ever played with. His competitiveness and leadership in practice raised the level of play of everyone around him. I'm really excited to see how his first season goes and to see how he can help Crew reach the MLS Cup Final again."
Shane Macnamara, Senior
"I am thrilled for Matt and excited to see another Davidson soccer product in the MLS. I am sure he will adapt well to the professional environment, and I am eager to see him develop as his career progresses."
Alex Caskey '11, Davidson All Conference and All South Region former MLS player for Seattle Sounders and DC United
Players Mentioned
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