PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland senior Kris Reaves is the newest member of FC Dallas as the MLS side signed the defender to a homegrown contract, it was announced on Wednesday. Reaves completed his collegiate career this fall for the Pilots, where he earned all-region and all-conference honors.

"I'm incredibly proud and thrilled for Kris Reaves as he signs his first professional contract," Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. "Dallas is signing a great player and even better young man. Kris was a tremendous ambassador for our program and I thank him for his unwavering confidence in our vision and deep belief in our mission.
 
"Kris comes from a wonderful family and credit to his parents, Ken and Charmaine Reaves for raising a well-rounded gentleman. A successful program always needs strong leaders and Kris is a great example to our current and future UP players that one can play college soccer for four years while still developing into a professional. Kris entered our locker room incredibly humble and trained like a pro with the objective of simply maximizing his everyday while chasing and winning championships."
 
"UP has helped me develop as a soccer player by giving me the resources to be able to improve my game," said Reaves. "UP has some of the best soccer facilities and coaches in the country. I had access to the fields, equipment, and balls almost 24/7, which allowed me to train on my own and sharpen my skills. Because of the flexibility with the school and the great connection it has with the soccer program I could build my schedule around my practice time. This meant I was able to stay after training and get in extra reps with my coaches and teammates without having to rush to class. I am very pleased with my time at the University of Portland and wish the future men's team great success to come. GO PILOTS!"

Mostly a center back for the Pilots, Reaves earned First Team All-West Coast Conference and landed on the All-Far West Region Third Team as a junior. The native of Duluth, Ga., nabbed second team all-league as a senior after helping the Pilots post a conference-best six shutouts this fall. In 2016, Reaves was a part of seven clean sheets, which also led the WCC.
 
Reaves joined FCD's academy in 2012 and occasionally featured in Dallas' reserve team during his final two years as a youth player.

"The quality of competition in the MLS has never been stronger and thus more difficult to make the jump directly from college soccer to an MLS first team, so credit to Kris for developing through his hard work and dedication," added Carlin-Voigt. "Kris came to Portland with three objectives: lead his team to a championship, develop into a more complete player and leader, and dedicate himself to excellence in the classroom. Kris leaves Portland having accomplished his goals and he will go down as one of the finest defenders and captains to wear the UP jersey. His UP family wishes him nothing but success both on and off the field in Dallas as he has left a great legacy here on The Bluff." 

Reaves is the 26th player coached by Carlin-Voigt to play, get drafted, or sign with an MLS team.