Written By: Todd Tinkham
Arlington, Mass native Noel Buck is no stranger to being the young “Buck” on the pitch. Buck began his journey as a 12-year-old with the New England Revolution in the now-defunct US Development Academy.
It didn’t take long for Revs academy coaches to fast-track Noel toward the first team. He signed his first pro contract in June of 2021 as a 15-year-old with New England Revolution 2 the reserve team which competed at the time in USL League 1.
Buck appeared 28 times for Revs 2 in USL 1 contributing 5 goals and 1 assist. It wasn’t just his eye for a pass or shot, his composure on the ball measured far beyond his years. This led the New England Revolution to sign Buck to a Homegrown contract in January 2022.
The Revs 2 transitioned from USL League 1 to MLS Next Pro. Buck appeared 16 times and contributed 1 goal. Bruce Arena had seen enough. It was time for Noel to make his way into the first team.
Buck made his debut on August 14th, 2022 against DC United in a 1-0 win for New England. Buck made 2 more appearances off the bench before getting his first start vs Chicago Fire on September 1st.
Buck impressed so much he started midweek vs NYCFC and punctuated a 3-0 Revs win with a goal-of-the-season candidate.
So going into 2023 Rev’s nation was high on Buck and we’re expecting even more progression. During the preseason Buck was used with fellow midfielders Matt Polster, Latif Blessing, and fellow homegrown signing Jack Panayotou in the 6/8 role.
It led to Noel starting in the season opener vs Charlotte and being a key cog in the midfield all game and helping the Revs win 1-0 in their season opener on the road in front of nearly 70k fans.
This leads to what’s next for Noel Buck…..Well, Buck has traveled to England to train when the Revs are out of season. He trained with Nottingham Forest in 2022 and there were rumors of Buck training with Tottenham Hotspur before Revs preseason began, although those rumors were dispelled.
Buck who is American but can get dual citizenship due to his family heritage aims to play overseas someday and I for one see him achieving that goal.
In addition to Buck training overseas, he always has time for his roots and other programs that have helped him excel. Buck was a mainstay in The Pro Project program which trains high-level youth players and brings them together to go toe to toe with one another.
One thing is for sure, Noel Buck is one to watch and a future player to watch for the New England Revolution and USMNT whom Buck has featured at the youth level. The Buck doesn’t stop here. Keep your eyes and ears open for Noel Buck.
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