New York City FC added midfielder Kevin Pierre to the roster after signing the 2026 MLS SuperDraft pick through the 2026 season, with options through the 2028-29 season. The club's full statement is at the bottom of this post.
NYCFC selected the 22-year-old in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft as the 57th overall pick. He joins from Georgia Southern University, where he made 51 appearances. "He played mostly as a holding midfielder, but has spent time as a left and right defensive midfielder, as well as occasionally as an attacking midfielder," noted Raf Noboa y Rivera in the Scouting Report he wrote for Hudson River Blue.
"Pierre didn't get a lot of attention during his collegiate career," Noboa y Rivera wrote. "Players like Pierre typically profile out as a fringe MLS/USL player, but here's the thing: The Pigeons need midfielders. We don't know when Keaton Parks or Andrés Perea are going to be back on the field for New York City. [...] Basically, the midfield cupboard is pretty bare. Meanwhile, here's a guy who anchored the Georgia Southern defense, and essentially never left the field. This past season, he played in all 18 of their matches, went the full 90 in 12 of them, and was third on the team with 1,500 minutes played."
Raf Noboa y Rivera
Pierre will bolster a midfield depleted not only by the injury to Perea and the loss of Haak, but by a recent injury to Jonny Shore. The 23-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in two of NYCFC's three friendlies at the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational, appearing in the 2-0 loss to San Jose Earthquakes and the 1-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City.
Pierre is the 31st player selected by New York City in the MLS SuperDraft, and becomes the 18th player to sign a contract. He will be the fifth active MLS SuperDraft selection on the roster, joining everyday starter Kevin O'Toole (2022, 2nd Round, #34 overall), the injured Malachi Jones (2024, 1st Round, #8 overall), NYCFC II defender Max Murray (2025, 1st Round, #17 overall), and left-back Nico Cavallo (2025, 3rd Round, #88 overall).
He becomes the fifth new player New York City signed so far this transfer window, joining defender and midfielder Kai Terwin, goalkeeper Mac Learned, defender Karman Acito, and midfielder Cooper Flax.
New York City FC Signs 2026 MLS SuperDraft Pick Kevin Pierre to a First Team Contract
Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:57 AM
New York City FC today announced that it has signed Midfielder Kevin Pierre to a First Team contract for 2026 with options through the 2028-29 season.
Selected in the Second Round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft with the 57th overall pick, Pierre took part in preseason with the First Team and featured in friendlies, including the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational.
“Kevin has impressed from day one in preseason and earned the respect of his teammates and coaches,” said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. “We believe he has the tools to further bolster our midfield, and we’re pleased to welcome Kevin to New York City FC.”
The Midfielder becomes the latest SuperDraft selection to sign a First Team contract with New York City FC following three seasons at Georgia Southern University, where Pierre made 51 appearances, scoring two goals and providing four assists. Pierre ranked third on the team in minutes played during the 2025 season, logging nearly 1,500 minutes, and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Team honors while helping lead the Eagles to a program-best 13 wins.
“Signing with New York City FC is a special moment for me and my family,” said Midfielder Kevin Pierre. “I’ve been working toward this opportunity my whole life. The focus now is on being the best teammate and player I can be to help the team.”
Pierre traveled to California with the ‘Boys in Blue’ and is eligible for selection ahead of the Club’s season opener against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, February 22 at 7pm ET.
Transaction: New York City FC signs Midfielder Kevin Pierre to a First Team contract for 2026 with options through the 2028-29 season.
Name: Kevin Pierre
Position: Midfielder
College: Georgia Southern University
Date of Birth: June 21, 2003
Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 186 lbs
How Acquired: Selected in the Second Round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft
