WASHINGTON - American University men's soccer goalkeeper Matthew Tibbetts has signed a professional contract with New England Revolution II of MLS Next Pro, announced by the club on Thursday, Jan. 29. Tibbetts is the 19th player in program history to sign with a professional club. 

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level, and I wouldn't be in this position without my experience at AU," said Tibbetts. "My coaches, teammates, and the supporting staff helped me develop as both a player and a young man in my career here, and I will always cherish my four years as a student-athlete in this special program."

The Westborough, Massachusetts native will get to continue his career in his home state after an excellent four years at AU, highlighted by a standout senior campaign. He was named Goalkeeper of the Year in the Patriot League in 2025, making 52 saves, logging three clean sheets, and holding a .765 save percentage with a 1.06 GAA. A crucial piece to AU's capture of the regular season conference title, Tibbetts kept the Eagles in matches with timely saves. He made 34 stops in the first half of games, allowing six of his team's second half goals to be game-winning strikes in Patriot League play.

Tibbetts earned the starting role between the posts midway through his freshman year and served as AU's reliable last line of defense from then on, playing 5,030 minutes and making 189 saves across 56 starts. For his efforts in the classroom, he was named to the Patriot League Honor roll three times.

Founded in 2019, New England Revolution II, the development team of Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, played its inaugural season in 2020 in USL League One. Revolution II joined the MLS NEXT Pro league for its inaugural campaign in 2022.