FORMER DCFC KEEPER IMPRESSES IN MLS HOMEGROWN GAME AND BEYOND

Former Detroit City FC goalkeeper Evan Louro has been making the most of his professional career, spending time with both the New York Red Bulls II (USL) and New York Red Bulls (MLS) this year.

Most recently he put on a show in the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game, leading the league’s brightest young stars against Chivas de Guadalajara’s Under-20 team. The performance put Louro back in the national spotlight.

“It was really cool,” Louro commented. “It was a huge honor to be selected. I was fortunate to play and make some saves. It was a really great experience.”

Playing in the spotlight has been a hallmark of Louro’s career thanks to being part of high-profile programs like DCFC and the University of Michigan.

It becomes quite clear that he remembers his time with Le Rouge quite fondly.

“I loved it,” Louro added. “It was a great experience. The City of Detroit has deep roots in soccer, it’s something I won’t ever forget. I am really honored to have played there.”

Louro was also one of the top keepers in UM history. He finished his college career with 46 appearances, 4,248 minutes played, and a 1.17 goals against average. He totaled 155 saves and 12 shutouts.

“I wanted to be part of something special,” Louro said of his time with the Wolverines. “They had first-class facilities and fans. I am really grateful to the university and Detroit City FC. They shaped me into who I am today.”

The South River, NJ native spent the first part of 2017 with Red Bulls II, but recently he found himself as the third-choice keeper for the first team behind Luis Robles and Ryan Meara.

While some might be frustrated by sharing time with two MLS stalwarts, Louro is making the most of the opportunity.

“This is a learning period. I want to be a sponge and pick up information from Luis and Ryan.”

There’s a lot to learn and this pair is perhaps the most experienced in MLS. Robles has been the main man for the Red Bulls since 2012, starting an astonishing 164 games in a row. Meara has 19 MLS starts under his belt.

Louro’s transition to the pros has been “seamless,” certainly helped by the fact that Louro started with the Red Bulls Academy at the age of 12. He’s a coach’s dream, a player with unlimited potential and tremendous loyalty towards the club. Simply put, his future and that of the entire Red Bulls organization is very bright.

“I want to lead this club,” Louro continued. “I want to play for my country someday, be a national team keeper.”

He’s off to a great start, starting 14 games for NYRB II. The Red Bulls coaching staff is certainly bullish on the young keeper’s future.

“Evan has come in and impressed us with his professionalism and willingness to work hard,” New York Red Bulls II head coach John Wolyniec concluded. “It has been great to watch his development through his first season in USL.”

It’s quite clear that you should remember the name Evan Louro. He’s a player you’ll definitely be hearing about for years to come. He got a great start with Detroit City and the NPSL and he’s now a rising star in the USL and MLS. The sky is literally the limit for this talented young man.