BelieveImpossible is about a journey.
It is about the good times and the bad.
The highs and the lows.
The struggles.
Second chances and next chances.
Redemption.
Eighteen-year-old Raymond Drai is on such a journey.
You read that correctly.
18.
When most of his peer group was in high school, he left one of the best youth soccer clubs in the country – Real So Cal – to join Orange County SC at age 16.
Last season, at age 17, he played 122 USL Championship minutes in nine matches and recorded one assist.
Now, when most of his peer group have found homes on college campuses, Drai is leaving his home in Woodland Hills, California to come to Rochester, New York to continue to #BelieveImpossible in MLS Next Pro with Rochester New York Football Club.
“I'm very excited and happy for this new chapter in my life. Very grateful for the trust and belief they've put in me. I would like to thank my family, coaches and staff, and my agent for helping me reach this goal. Can't wait to get to work and meet all our lovely fans. Let's go RNYFC!”
It did not take Sporting Director Lee Tucker long to figure out that he had the perfect place for Drai to land to take the next step in his professional career.
“Raymond is another player who this club was created for. Someone who needs a second chance to establish himself and demonstrate the talent he undoubtedly has.”
RNY FC Head Coach Bruno Baltazar recognizes Drai’s potential and shares his vision for the future.
“Raymond is a skillful and technical young winger with huge potential to get to the best leagues in the world”
There is a new pathway in American soccer.
BelieveImpossible
Rochester New York Football Club has signed Attacking Midfielder Raymond Drai to an MLS NEXT Pro PROFESSIONAL contract, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Transaction: Rochester New York football Club signs Raymond Drai to MLS NEXT Pro PROFESSIONAL contract.
Name: Raymond Drai
Pronunciation: drai
Position: Attacking Midfielder
DOB: October 14, 2003 (18)
Birthplace: Woodland Hills, California
Height: 5 FT AND 7 IN
Nationality: United States of America
Last Club: Orange County SC
