Chris Aquino has signed a professional contract with the Tacoma Defiance, Sounder at Heart has learned. Aquino has been one of the Sounders Academy’s top prospects over the past year, which included a starring performance in their GA Cup title.
More recently, Aquino scored two goals at MLS Next Fest in Coachella, Calif, including a particularly impressive solo effort.
Aquino, 16, apparently had several other opportunities. One source indicated he had received scholarship offers from collegiate powerhouses Clemson and the University of Washington. He had also been offered a professional contract by USL Championship team New Mexico United.