Time to shine: Young players who will define the MLS Cup Playoffs
Playoffs? Don’t talk about – playoffs. You kiddin' me?! Playoffs?!?!
Pereira joined Austin FC as a Generation adidas selection with the first overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, and has since become a key part of the team's midfield. Across the 2021 and 2022 MLS seasons, Pereira recorded two goals and four assists across 55 appearances, 44 of which were starts.
Prior to signing for Austin, Pereira played two seasons of collegiate soccer at Virginia Tech, where he tallied six goals and six assists in 26 matches. As a young player, he played for Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia. He was named Timesland Player of the Year as a senior, scoring 44 goals and leading the team to the Class 3 state final.
Pereira, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, emigrated to the United States as a teenager with his family.