FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - There are few places like Boston for an Irish soccer player, but the New England Revolution have yet to boast a successful player from the Emerald Isle.
Striker Paul Keegan came from Motherwell of the Scottish Premier League to New England from 1996-2000, scoring seven goals in 84 appearances before returning to the eircom League of Ireland, the Republic of Ireland first division. While Keegan was a fan favorite in Foxborough, he did not establish himself in the first team and many of those appearances came from the substitutes' bench.
The eircom League also gave New England winger Richie Baker, who played 20 games for the Revolution in 2004 before returning to play with Shelbourne in his homeland.
Recently signed right winger Bryan Byrne hopes to change that Irish tradition. The Revolution inked the former California-Santa Barbara player to a contract on April 13 after selecting him in the third round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. Nearly four weeks passed before Byrne was eligible for first team action, as his visa cleared at the end of last week in order for him to make the gameday squad for Sunday's 3-1 victory against Chicago.
Byrne was relieved to finally get a chance to get on the field for the Revolution.
"It was a frustrating time for me," Byrne said. "It took me four weeks. I just had the college visa and I had to get the working visa. Finally, I can get on the field."
Ironically for Byrne, it was a former teammate who created the opportunity for him to join the Revolution. Byrne, a senior international, took the place of former Gauchos teammate Tony Lochhead on the Revolution roster.
Before heading back home to sign with Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix, Lochhead spent some time with Byrne, helping him get acclimated to the Boston area and to the Revolution.
"Tony's a good guy," Byrne said. "He helped me get settled. It's unfortunate that he was released, but that's the way it goes in this business."
It was this business that lead Byrne to New England. Despite overseas options back in the eircom League and on the European Continent, Byrne chose to stay in the States after a successful collegiate career at Santa Barbara.
"I had some options at home and in Europe," Byrne said. "But this is where I wanted to be."
Part of the attraction for Byrne was the experience of Revolution coaching duo Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner.
"They are good coaches," Byrne said. "When they approached me, I wanted to be here. They've been to MLS Cup a couple of times and played in the English First Division. Their experience will help me."
Byrne's professional experience started on Sunday, as he went 74 minutes in New England's 1-0 reserve team win against Chicago. Byrne showed some industrious wing play, and commented that is one thing Revolution fans can expect as the season progresses.
"I bring a lot of work rate and determination on the right wing," Byrne said. "I know what it's like to win after winning the national title [with UC Santa Barbara]."
Progress will be slow, as Byrne is expected to take some time with the reserves to regain match fitness. When Byrne gets fit, he faces the stern task of trying to dislodge Revolution stalwart Steve Ralston from the right wing.
"I'll play in some reserve games and help off the bench," Byrne said. "It's very important to get an understanding with my teammates."
As for the off-the-field stuff, Byrne said the transition from California to New England was not difficult.
"I'm an Irish player coming to Boston," Byrne said. "It's comfortable."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
