With its first selection, the Fire took Virginia Tech University forward Patrick Nyarko in the first round as the seventh overall draft pick. The 2007 NSCAA All-American First Team selection scored 31 goals and notched 24 assists in 57 games played (48 starts) for the "Hokies" throughout his three seasons. The six-foot native of Ghana was selected to the NSCAA All-South Atlantic Second Team in 2006 and was named ACC Freshman of the Year in 2005. The 22-year-old scoring threat was also a three-time First Team All-ACC selection (2007, 2006, 2005). Nyarko will count as an international on the Fire's 28 man roster.
Fire Insider had the opportunity to catch up with Patrick after the 2008 MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore, Md.
Fire Insider: What was the first thought when you heard Commissioner Garber announce your name at the MLS SuperDraft?
Patrick Nyarko: Thank God. I was glad I went to a great team, that was the first thought. I just counted myself lucky for getting into a really nice team with extraordinarily great players on their end. I feel really excited about going to Chicago, and the most important part is going to a really, really good team.
FI: Did you expect to be drafted by Chicago?
PN: Honestly I had no idea where I was going to get drafted to and that really contributed to me being a little nervous sitting down there because you have no idea where you are going to go; but I was really glad it was Chicago.
FI: What are doing in the next few weeks before preseason?
PN: I am going to be trying to work out and get back into a little bit of shape before preseason because I really haven't done anything leading up to the draft so I am a little out of shape right now. I am going to be doing a little bit of workout and I have a couple of classes I am taking so I'll be taking care of that too.
FI: How do you stay fit during the off season?
PN: Normally I just play around, kick balls with my friends, we do a little bit of running - nothing intense, just something to just keep yourself on your toes and not lose your fitness entirely. So I just run around a little bit and play around a little bit with some of my friends.
FI: How do you feel you will contribute to the Fire/What do you want to bring?
PN: As I said earlier they already have a great team. They so are exciting to watch and they have some of the best players in the league. I feel I can be bringing more of what they already have. I count heavily on my pace and my ball handling skills and trying feed off of other great players, so I'm just ready to contribute in any way they need me for since they already have a great team. I'm really excited to add whatever I can to help this team grow.
FI: What aspect of your game do you feel you still need to work on?
PN: Right now I still need to work on my shooting and my defensive abilities on the grade. So I still have a little bit of work to do on my shooting and my defensive abilities and I am going to really focus on that in the next coming weeks.
FI: You are originally from Ghana, when did you come to the United States?
PN: It's been two and half years, the summer of 2005.
FI: Who has been the largest influence on your soccer career?
PN: My high school coach and my coach I had for three months before I got here. My high school coach really improved my game in high school. He did everything he could to help me stay on the field, and after high school he went and coached for a club team that I played for. I also did both those just because of him because he was very influential with me and trying to give me advise and everything all the time. And before I came over to the states I had this coach for two months who also was just excellent. He gave me advice, he helped me with my training, and he really improved my game. So those are the two coaches that have had real great influence on my game.
FI: Do you remember their names?
PN: My high school coach was Mr. Orlando and the other one is Prince Owusu.
FI: What do you want Chicago Fire Soccer fans to know about you?
PN: I just want the fans to know that I'm coming in to help this team grow. I am really excited to be heading off to Chicago I have watched them on TV. I have watched them support their team and I honestly think they have some of the greatest fans in the league. I am really excited to be coming up there and I'll do anything I can within my role to make them happy. I am hoping that we have a very, very good relationship.
