TUCSON, Ariz. (Feb. 22, 2021) — FC Tucson announced today that the club has signed Cornell University goalkeeper Ryan Shellow, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old Ivy League standout signs his first professional soccer contract with the Men in Black.
“Ryan is a very talented goalkeeper we were presented in the offseason. We spent a lot of time scouting him, watching video, and getting to know him and we are thrilled he is joining us for the 2021 season,” said FC Tucson Head Coach John Galas. “He’s such a positive and bright young man who fits our culture really well. With his collegiate experience at Cornell, we fully expect him to make a smooth and easy transition to the professional game.”
Shellow joins Tucson following four years of NCAA Division I play with Cornell University. An essential piece of Cornell men’s soccer program for four seasons, Shellow made 46 starts in goal for a total of 47 appearances from 2016 – 2019. The Miami, Fla. native led the Ivy League in total saves in two of his four seasons of play, making 70 saves in his freshman and junior seasons. For his senior year campaign, Shellow started in 12 games, only allowing 13 goals, making 31 saves, finishing the season with a .705 save percentage.
“I am happy to start my professional career with FC Tucson,” said Ryan Shellow. “My goal is to work my hardest to help us win as many games as possible. I’d like to help us be the team with the least goals conceded and do whatever I can to help FC Tucson win the league.”
During his collegiate play, Shellow played three seasons within USL League Two, formerly the Premier Development League (PDL), making a total of 11 appearances from 2017-2019. Two of those seasons came with Weston FC of Weston, Fla., where Shellow posted a total of 36 saves in seven games played.
Before his move to Cornell, Shellow served as the starting goalkeeper for three years at Kendall SC, of the U.S. Development Academy. The team made the Development Academy playoffs as a top-15 team all three years Shellow was in goal. Shellow was also a member of the Florida Olympic Development State Team and was named an Interregional All-star during the Thanksgiving Showcase in 2010.
Ryan Shellow
Country: USA
Born: October 10, 1997 (23)
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 180 lbs
Number: 12
Previous Club: Cornell University