Revolution sign Akron's Caldwell as Homegrown Player

Count the New England Revolution in among the wave of MLS teams recently turning to the academy ranks to add to their senior rosters.

The Revs signed former University of Akron midfielder Scott Caldwell to a Homegrown Player deal Friday, joining the likes of the Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, Columbus Crew and FC Dallas as teams to sign academy products in the last couple of weeks.

Caldwell, who scored the game-winning goal for Akron in the 2010 NCAA national championship game, had 20 goals and 22 assists in 88 college games over the last four seasons. Nine goals and 10 assists came during the 2012 season, during which the 21-year-old captained now-Portland-Timbers-coach Caleb Porter's side. He is the Revolution's second Homegrown Player, joining 17-year-old forward Diego Fagundez.

"We've very pleased to add Scott to our roster as our second Homegrown Player signing," Revolution general manager Mike Burns said in a team statement. "He's had a very successful college career at Akron, and he's played very well when we have had him in with our first team during his college breaks. We look forward to integrating him with the first team on a permanent basis when the team reconvenes in a month for the 2013 preseason.

Follow GOAL.COM on Twitter