PHILADELPHIA – It all started with a simple conversation in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – the New England Revolution sitting down with Georgetown standout Steve Neumann at the MLS Player Combine to get a better read on him as a person and a player.
Apparently it went well. The Revs used their first overall pick Thursday to select Neumann at No. 4 at the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
“I had a good meeting with them at the Combine,” Neumann said of his new club. “Right when my name was called, I immediately remembered our interview.”
As much as New England like their new attacking midfielder, though, the feeling goes both ways. Neumann watched the Revs play “a lot” in 2013, and he’s convinced that their style fits his game perfectly.
“With guys like Kelyn Rowe and [Diego] Fagundez, I know they like to play soccer,” Neumann said. “I think it’s going to be a joy to join them.”
It wasn’t always a given that Neumann would be drafted, let alone in the top five. In his younger years, the midfielder was criticized for a lack of athleticism, and he admits that he will still need to adjust to the speed of play and physicality of MLS.
But after scoring 41 goals at Georgetown, he was able to achieve his dream of being a professional soccer player. And to earn the honor in Philadelphia – the area in which he grew up – makes it that much sweeter.
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“It’s been a little surreal [getting drafted in Philly],” Neumann said. “It’s definitely an honor to be drafted in general, but to be drafted in my hometown, it was definitely special for me.”
Now all that’s left is to prove he belongs with the Revolution. And right now, he’s just eager to get started.
“I’m delighted to go to the Revolution. I know they have a great system, great program and great coaching staff,” Neumann said. “I definitely enjoy those guys, and I think it’s going to be a great fit for me. … I think we’re going to have a good team for years to come.”
