Lesotho’s Napo Matsoso joins New England Revolution in MLS

Napo Matsoso will be showcasing his skills for the New England Revolution
in America's MLS

Lesotho international Napo Matsoso was selected ninth in the second round and 31st overall by the New England Revolution at the MLS SuperDraft on Friday at the LA Convention Center.

Matsoso played for Kentucky University and he became the highest MLS draft pick in the school’s history. No Wildcat had ever been taken before the third round previously.

Matsoso spent four years as a starter at Kentucky. He made 73 appearances for the university which were all from the starting line-up after graduating from St. Francis High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

The diminutive midfielder finished his career at Kentucky with 19 goals and 20 assists and earned three consecutive All-Conference USA First Team and NSCAA All-Southeast Region First Team nods.

He concluded his UK career with the third most assists in school history and tied for the ninth most goals.

As a senior in 2016, Matsoso captained Kentucky to the 16th overall seed and a first-round bye in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Following the season, Matsoso was named to the NSCAA All-American Second Team. He also paced the Wildcats with 14 points during his junior season, leading the team to an undefeated record of seven wins and one draw in C-USA play en route to the league title.

Matsoso in action for UK

Born in Lesotho, Matsoso departed southern Africa at the age of 15 and travelled 9,000 miles to Louisville to pursue an education in the United States.

Matsoso is expected to join the New England Revolution team in Foxborough for the start of preseason training on January 23. The Major Soccer League starts on March 3.

“Congratulations to Napo for getting this chance at the next level,” Kentucky head coach Johan Cedergren said.

“We’ve said time and time again during his tenure at UK what a special player he is, and I'm looking forward to watching him bring his talent into the professional ranks. Napo helped lead our programme to another level. It’s great to see him have a chance to continue pursuing his dreams.”