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.
The Columbus Crew SC will open the 2016 season with a nationally-televised (ESPN) contest against the Portland Timbers on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
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
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 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 Assistant 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