Former Providence College standout added to roster before inaugural match
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (March 13, 2024) – Rhode Island FC announced today it has signed former Providence College defender Nathan Messer for the upcoming 2024 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The former Friar becomes the 22nd all-time acquisition for RIFC.
“We’re really excited to bring another former Providence College standout onto our roster,” said Rhode Island FC Head Coach Khano Smith. “Nathan has experience at the collegiate level and overseas. He’s a guy who likes to make plays and has the ability to attack up the field.”
Messer appeared in 17 matches, starting in 14 throughout the Friar’s 2023 NCAA campaign. During his one season in the Ocean State as a graduate student, Messer recorded four goals and five assists in 1225 minutes.
Prior to PC, Messer spent four years at William & Mary where he started 45 matches in 58 appearances and recorded eight goals and 10 assists. Between his collegiate seasons, Messer had domestic and overseas stints, playing with TVS Meerbusch (Germany) and ND Primorje (Slovenia) as well as USL League Two sides Northern Virginia FC and Vermont Green FC.
Name: Nathan Messer
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthday: July 6, 2001
Hometown: Washington D.C.
Rhode Island FC kicks off the 2024 USL Championship season on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m. against New Mexico United in front of a sold out Beirne Stadium on the campus of Bryant University. Fans unable to attend in person can tune in on NESN, the exclusive regional broadcaster of Rhode Island FC, or ESPN+.
Limited tickets remain for RIFC’s second home match of the season when the club hosts 2023 Eastern Conference Champions Charleston Battery on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit rhodeislandfc.com/tickets.