Wrightwood’s Calvert becomes youngest pro player in Chivas USA history

calebcalvertYoung Gun: Wrightwood’s Cabel Calvert has become the youngest player in Chivas USA history (Photo courtesy Chivas USA).

As widely rumored, Chivas USA signed homegrown center forward Caleb Calvert to a pro contract today, making him the youngest player in club history aged just 16 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Calvert, who is eligible to play in Chivas USA’s game Sunday in Montreal, was the leading goal scorer in the nation in his age group in the Chivas Academy with 22 goals, firepower the struggling club could put to good use in MLS despite his age. Especially since his nickname is apparently “Rooney.”

“I’m beyond thrilled.” said the resident of the San Bernadino Countuy community of Wrightwood. “I never thought this moment will come this soon and this fast, but I’m living my dream right now, and it’s the most incredible feeling anyone can have. Hopefully I get adjusted and comfortable soon and from there I can start playing my game and doing what I do best, scoring goals.”

Calvert scored his first reserve league goal June 2 against the Seattle Sounders.

“Our Youth Development Program is extremely happy for Caleb to step up and move to the next level,” said Chivas USA’s Youth Academy Director Sacha van der Most. “I think it’s well deserved as he has proved himself at the U16’s and U18’s levels this whole year and also by stepping up in the Reserve League games.”

Trivia, via the club: Before Calvert, current Chivas USA midfielder Marco Delgado, who just earned two starts in the last two games for the Goats, was the youngest player to sign a professional contract at 16 years, 10 months and 17 days.

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