FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - New England Revolution fans had two questions when they looked at the team's lineup for the opening day contest with Chicago: Who is Gary Flood? And where did he come from?
The answer starts with Flood's Long Island roots and his decision to attend Hofstra University.
Flood, who hails from the centrally located hamlet of Hauppauge on Long Island, chose Hofstra because of its location rather than its ability to develop players for the next level.
"I grew up there," Flood said. "I chose to stay on Long Island. My parents liked to watch me play. It's tough at a small school. We had some good players. Hopefully, I can help get the school more recognition."
Flood's recruiting class, which included fellow professional Michael Todd (of the Charleston Battery of USL 1), was the school's most successful with 45 wins and three Colonial Athletic Conference championships over four years.
As the team excelled, Flood distinguished himself. Serving as captain during his senior season and playing every minute of every contest, Flood played in 21 games and scored once. He was a two-time all-region selection by the NSCAA.
But as Flood entered MLS when the Revolution selected him in the supplemental draft, things changed. Instead of being one of the stars, Flood was a developmental player fighting for his roster spot and hoping to earn the chance to play in a first team contest.
"Playing there, you're one of the go-to guys," Flood said. "The players and teams are hit or miss in terms of quality. Here, everyone's a great player and you've got to work your way into things."
That's who Gary Flood is. He's not the playmaker who cuts you up with the final pass or the finisher who slams the ball into the back of the net.
He's a guy who works his way into things.
A central defender by trade in college, Revs manager Steve Nicol and assistant Paul Mariner shifted him into defensive midfield to make use of his passing abilities and minimize his physical deficiencies as a center back on the professional level.
"I know it was difficult for him," Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph said. "He works hard. He's willing to learn. He's the first in and last out of practice every day. He'll be a good player."
Flood's ability to adapt earned him a quick cameo in the first team as injuries ravaged the team during preseason. Flood appeared in the team's first two games before disappearing for the next nine contests.
Flood could have been another rookie flash in the pan, but an eye injury to Jeff Larentowicz gave him a second-half shot in the 3-0 victory against Toronto FC on July 23.
"In the first game of the season, I hadn't been playing much," Flood said. "I had missed most of preseason with an injury. I'm more comfortable now. I'm used to it."
The comfort level was apparent as Flood settled down and appeared more assured as he reentered the first-team picture, despite the sudden thrust into the team's engine room.
Flood's second-half performance earned him his second career start against Chivas USA, with Flood again showing his ability to compete despite the team's 2-0 defeat in Los Angeles.
Revolution assistant coach Paul Mariner believes that Flood is one to watch for the future.
"Gary's a young player we think highly of," Mariner said. "He holds himself to a high standard. He's a good passer of the ball."
With Joseph and Larentowicz due back sooner rather than later, Flood knows his days as a starter are numbered, but he appreciates the early payoff for his persistence.
"It's nice. It's what you work for in practices," Flood said. "When Shalrie and Jeff are healthy, I know they are the guys. But it's exciting to have a chance and get in there with the first team."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
