Rhode Island FC has added two Rhode Island natives to its roster as goalkeeper Nate Silveira and midfielder Kevin Vang.
“To be able to sign two quality players from the state of Rhode Island is really special,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach Khano Smith. “As a club, one of our objectives is to show that there is a pathway to the professional level. Kevin and Nate represent the level of talent coming out of the Ocean State and both have worked extremely hard to get to this point.”
Silveira is well known to fans of Vermont Green as he played for the USL League Two side in 2022. The goalkeeper captained The Green where he logged 900 minutes and recorded 27 saves.
The Rhode Island native spent four seasons at the University of Vermont during his collegiate career. Silveira was named back-to-back America East Goalkeeper of the Year while wearing the captain’s armband in his final two seasons.
Silveira spent 2023 with Charlotte FC’s second team Crown Legacy FC, of MLS Next Pro.
Vang joins RIFC after the end of his collegiate career at Providence College. The midfielder’s talents at Bayside FC led to his involvement with the New England Revolution Academy. His play was recognized by U.S. Soccer, who called Vang into the U.S. Youth National Team Futures Camp in 2015 and an Under-17 National Team Camp in 2016. Through his years with the Friars, Vang made 83 appearances and recorded four goals and nine assists in 4,877 minutes.