PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers goalkeeper Kevin Silva has signed a two-year deal with Heart of Midlothian FC of Edinburgh, Scotland in the Scottish Cup League, it was announced by the club on Wednesday.

Prior to joining the collegiate level, Silva was a two-time All-American and ranked as the best goalkeeper in the country, No. 13 overall in the IMG 150 by Top Drawer Soccer and No. 6 in College Soccer News' Top 150. A member of both the U.S. U-19 and U-17 Men's National Teams, he played in the 2016 Copa de Atlantico and 2016 Under-20 Men's COTIF Tournament. With the U-17 team, Silva earned the Golden Glove award as the 2013 Nike International Friendlies' top goalkeeper, registered four shutouts in 2014 and was on the roster for the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup.   

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Silva arrived "On The Banks" this spring after playing two seasons with UCLA. With the Bruins, he compiled a 1.66 goals against average and .709 save percentage with 122 saves and seven shutouts.

"We knew it was always a possibility that Kevin could go to the next level, but it is always important to look out for what is best for our student-athletes and this is a great opportunity," said head coach Dan Donigan. "When you work hard and put the time and effort into training, positive things will come your way. In Kevin's case, it came just a little sooner, but again, we are very excited for him. I credit Coach Stakiwicz for all his hard work with Kevin over the years both here at Rutgers and at the club level, as well as his time with the youth national teams, to get him where he is today."

"I'm thrilled to see Kevin get the opportunity to begin his professional journey in Europe and I'm sure he will be a success," said assistant coach Tyler Stakiwicz, who has worked with the Scarlet Knight goalkeepers over the last three seasons. "Since he set foot on campus last December, he has been extremely focused on working toward a professional contract offer and I'm glad that Rutgers was able to help him on the way to achieving that goal."
 
"David Greczek was drafted in 2017 and obviously Kevin is now signing with a club with a great history and tradition," added Stakiwicz about RU's recent keepers in the pros. "That makes two Scarlet Knight goalkeepers in the last two years who will have the opportunity to play at the next level, which is exactly what we want. We're certainly hoping that particular trend continues as well."
 
"I enjoyed my time at Rutgers and training with the team," said Silva, "however, a chance to realize a dream and play at the next level was one I could not let pass by. I want to thank Coach Donigan and his staff for the opportunity to become a Scarlet Knight and wish the team nothing but success this upcoming season. I especially would like to acknowledge Coach Stakiwicz for all his support and guidance over the years that ultimately has allowed me to sign professionally."

"The staff and the players at Rutgers are one of the reasons I am ready for the opportunity and I will always be thankful for the family they made me feel a part of while I was there," Silva acknowledged.

"Heading into this season without Kevin, we still have a deep goalkeeping unit that we know we can depend on," added Donigan. "We have experience in Rafael Pereira who started every minute of every game for us last season and we can also look to Joe Bruno and Brian Shushkovsky to challenge for the role as well."

The Rutgers men's soccer team will begin the 2018 season with an exhibition match at Army West Point on Sunday, Aug. 19. The Scarlet Knights open the regular season with three road games before meeting Elon in the home opener at Yurcak Field on Sunday, Sept. 2.

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