Rhode Island Sign Hope-Gund to 25 Day Contract
Rhode Island FC announced the signing of defender Rio Hope-Gund to a 25-day contract.
Rhode Island FC announced the signing of defender Rio Hope-Gund to a 25-day contract.
Hope-Gund attended Georgetown University, making sixteen appearances for the Hoyas and scoring two goals in a 2018 campaign that saw the team win the Big East regular season title as well as the Big East tournament. In 2019 Hope-Gund started all 20 games as the Hoyas went on to defend their Big East title, win their third consecutive Big East tournament, as well as winning the first National Championship in the program’s history.
After having the 2020 season postponed due to the COIVD-19 pandemic Hope-Gund was selected by Orlando City SC with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, however he chose to return to Georgetown for the make-up season during spring 2021.
While in college the defender played for USL League Two side Manhattan SC in 2019, starting every game as the team finished third in the Northeast Division.
After finishing his time at Georgetown, Hope-Gund signed a one-year contract with Orlando City with three option years, but did not make an appearance for the Lions and ultimately had his contract declined at the end of the year.
In February of 2021 he went on to sign with Loudoun United, making his debut with the club on March 12 as he captained his side to a 1-0 victory over Indy Eleven.
Signing with New York City FC II in 2023, he made twenty-four appearances for the MLS Next Pro club before signing with their first team in 2024.
Rhode Island FC announced the signing as the club heads to California to face off against Oakland Roots on Saturday night.