![New York City FC](https://www.oursportscentral.com/graphics/teams/resized/mls_newyorkcity_fc19-200.png)
New York City FC Signs Defender Rio Hope-Gund
March 1, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City FC today announced that it has signed defender Rio Hope-Gund to a contract through 2024, with options through 2026.
The defender joins the first team after having played for MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, New York City FC II last season. The Brooklyn native played in 24 matches, notching one assist during the 2023 campaign. Hope-Gund becomes the 88th player from MLS NEXT Pro to sign a first team contract.
"We are delighted to have signed Rio to a first team contract," Sporting Director David Lee said. "We've been impressed with Rio's development since he joined the second team last season. He's consistently worked hard and demonstrated his professionalism since joining the club, and is deserving of this opportunity. Rio offers depth and quality at the center back position, as we aim to challenge in all competitions this season."
Hope-Gund was drafted by Orlando City in the first round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. During his time in Orlando, he shared a locker room with New York City FC midfielder Andres Perea. After his stint in Florida, Hope-Gund moved to D.C. United and then-affiliate Loudoun United FC of the USL Championship. It was there where he made his professional debut, making 24 appearances for the club.
While in college, Hope-Gund played a critical role in helping Georgetown University win the Big East regular season title, the Big East tournament and the NCAA Men's National Championship.
Born in Manhattan and raised in SoHo and Brooklyn, the defender grew up playing in the local soccer scene where he got to play alongside other New York City academy standouts which include the likes of midfielders James Sands and Justin Haak, amongst others.
"New York City is my home and I'm excited to represent this club with honor," said defender Rio Hope-Gund. "Having played with a lot of the guys on the team growing up, they have made me feel right at home since I arrived. Being part of the second team last season and working with the amazing coaching and support staff has helped me grow as a player. I now feel ready to take this next step in my career. I can't wait to get started and show everyone what I can do, I hope to contribute to this team's success this season and hopefully win trophies for our fans, my family and the city I grew up in."
Transaction: New York City FC signs defender Rio Hope-Gund to a contract through 2024 with options through 2026.
Name: Rio Hope-Gund
Position: Defender
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 179lb
Date of Birth: August 20, 1999
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Acquired From: New York City FC II
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from March 1, 2024
- Sounders FC Faces Austin FC Saturday in Home Opener - Seattle Sounders FC
- Houston Dynamo FC to Pay Tribute to Maggie McKethan Ahead of Saturday's Kickoff - Houston Dynamo FC
- FC Cincinnati Travel to Chicago for First Road Match of MLS Season - FC Cincinnati
- Houston Dynamo FC to Defend Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Title in 2024 Edition of the Tournament - Houston Dynamo FC
- Sporting KC Home Opener on Saturday - Sporting Kansas City
- New York Travel to Shell Energy Stadium for First Time Since 2019 to Face Houston Dynamo FC - New York Red Bulls
- The Assist: Orlando City SC at Inter Miami CF - March 2, 2024 - Orlando City SC
- Russell Teibert Hangs up Boots After 16 Years as a Player with Whitecaps FC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Minnesota United FC vs. Columbus Crew Preview - Minnesota United FC
- CF Montréal on the Road Saturday against FC Dallas - Club de Foot Montreal
- Whitecaps FC Sign WFC2 Midfielder Jay Herdman to Second MLS Short-Term Agreement - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- LAFC Travels to Face Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Saturday, March 2 - Los Angeles FC
- Match Preview: Charlotte FC at Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Charlotte FC
- Real Salt Lake Kicks off 20th Home MLS Season Saturday against LAFC - Real Salt Lake
- Injury Report: Four Absent vs. St. Louis City SC - New York City FC
- Nashville SC Travels to Colorado Rapids for First Western Conference Matchup of the Season - Nashville SC
- By the Number: FC Cincinnati at Chicago Fire FC - FC Cincinnati
- Atlanta United to Compete in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Atlanta United FC
- Earthquakes to Compete in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - San Jose Earthquakes
- Sporting KC to Play in 2024 U.S. Open Cup - Sporting Kansas City
- FC Dallas to Compete in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - FC Dallas
- LAFC Joins MLS & NEXT PRO Entries Competing in 2024 US Open Cup - Los Angeles FC
- Real Salt Lake One of Eight MLS Teams to Participate in 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Real Salt Lake
- Dean Smith: "We Just Need to Keep Improving" - Charlotte FC
- Colorado Rapids Take on Nashville SC in 2024 Home Opener - Colorado Rapids
- Academy Roundup: Young Garys Earn Positive Results on Weekend Road Trip - FC Cincinnati
- Houston Dynamo FC to Host Columbus Crew at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 6 at Shell Energy Stadium - Houston Dynamo FC
- Kickoff Times Announced Orlando City SC's Concacaf Champions Cup Matchup with Tigres UANL - Orlando City SC
- New York City FC Signs Defender Rio Hope-Gund - New York City FC
- FC Cincinnati Loan Álvaro Barreal to Cruzeiro - FC Cincinnati
- Maintain Standards: Ingredients of the Match - Charlotte FC
- FC Cincinnati Celebrate Women's History Month with Array of Initiatives and Events That Promote Women in Sports - FC Cincinnati
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
![OurSports Central](https://www.oursportscentral.com/assets/img/footer-logo-latest.png)