Revs take Soares at six

BALTIMORE, Md. – Holding the sixth overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, the New England Revolution went defensive with the selection of centerback A.J. Soares from the University of California.

A.J. Soares was the Revs top pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. (Photo courtesy MLSSoccer.com)

Soares, a four-year starter for the Golden Bears, was a semi-finalist for the 2010 M.A.C. Hermann Trophy after a sensational season that saw him score five goals from the back in 19 starts.

“It feels great,” said Soares of his selection. “The Revolution are a storied club so I’m happy to be here. ”

Interestingly, the pick came somewhat as a surprise to Soares, who said he hadn’t spoken to Revolution manager Steve Nicol prior to the proceedings. But, something told him that he may have been heading to New England prior to his selection.

“My gut told me that this is where I’d be picked, (going) to the Revolution,” said Soares. “I didn’t speak to the staff until just now, but I kind of had a feeling that they’d pick me there. I think they have confidence in me and I have confidence in the staff.”

With only weeks before the start of the Revolution preseason routine, Soares is already looking forward to the challenge of competing for a spot in the starting XI. But, perhaps more importantly, the 22-year-old is ready to aid the club in its efforts to return to the postseason after a disappointing 2010 season that saw them allow a league-high 50 goals.

“I’m going to go there and work as hard as I can,” said Soares. “I’ll do whatever I can to make the team better and definitely try to help them get back to their winning ways.”

And with a polished player like Soares at their disposal, it may not be long before he and his teammates are competing for an MLS Cup Championship.

2 Comments