Hartford Sports Information
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Major League Soccer announced on Tuesday the signing of University of Hartford men’s soccer player Damion Lowe to a Generation adidas contract. One of seven players comprising the 2014 Generation adidas class, Lowe will be the first Hawk to get drafted by an MLS squad.
Lowe is one of three defenders to sign Generation adidas contracts in 2014, joining Christian Dean (California at Berkeley) and AJ Cochran (Wisconsin). The four other signees are goalkeepers and former HVFC and Sporting Central Academy, Andre Blake (Connecticut), Marlon Hairston (Louisville), Eric Miller (Creighton) and Ntokozo “Chillo” Tshuma (Maryland).
“We are thrilled for Damion to reach another one of his goals,” exclaimed head coach Tom Poitras, who just concluded his third season at the helm of the Hawks. “He came to Hartford with the focus of becoming a pro player and has signed with the MLS. Now we will see where he gets drafted and where his pro career will begin next week.”
A native of Kingston, Jamaica and HVFC, Lowe anchored Hartford’s back line that held opponents to just 0.91 goals per game, marking the stingiest goals-against average for a Hawk team since 1984, the program’s first Division I season. A part of a school-record 11 shutouts, Lowe got it done on both ends of the pitch last season, adding five goals and two assists for the third-most points on the team.
In three seasons at Hartford, Lowe started and played in 43 matches, totaling 20 career points (eight goals, four assists) while helping the defense shut out 15 opponents. As a tri-captain last fall, Lowe led the program to a 13-win season that included the program’s second America East Championship title games appearance in three years.
“Damion came in during my first year at Hartford and was a major factor in turning our program around,” Poitras continued. “He is a hard-working, tough leader who will make a name for himself at the next level. I am confident that Damion will be a great professional and will continue to work hard to have a long, successful career.”
In addition to earning a spot on the America East All-Conference First Team, Lowe was named to the 2013 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I All-Northeast Region’s Second Team.
Players who join MLS as part of the Generation adidas program receive educational grants to further their college education. Generation adidas players do not count against an MLS team’s salary budget.
“I am sorry to see Damion leave our program, but am happy his dedication and hard work has paid off for him,” concluded Poitras. “I am proud of him because he is such a good person with strong character who will be a great representative of the University of Hartford.”
Lowe is the son of former Kansas City and HVFC forward Onandi Lowe.