Revolution Sign Darrius Barnes

Former Duke Defender a SuperDraft Third Round Pick

March 17, 2009

The New England Revolution announced Tuesday the signing of defender Darrius Barnes to a Major League Soccer contract to play for the Revs.

Darrius Barnes

Darrius Barnes started 70 matches during his career at Duke. (Photo courtesy of Duke University Athletics)

Per team and league policies, terms of the deal were not released. Barnes will occupy one of the Revolution’s senior roster spots.

Barnes, 22, was selected by the Revolution in the third round (40th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Duke University.

“We’re pleased to add Darrius to the squad,” Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. “He showed well during preseason training, was eager to learn from our veterans. We’re looking forward to him developing in our system.”

Voted to the All-ACC second team in 2008, Barnes was a three-year starter - primarily as a central defender - for the Blue Devils. In his career, Barnes played in 77 games, including 70 starts, and registered one goal and nine assists. He was a member of a Duke backline that posted 32 clean sheets.

The Revs open the 2009 season this weekend when the club travels to play the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday, March 21. The Revs open their home slate on Saturday, April 4, against FC Dallas at Gillette Stadium.