Take 22: Revs Pick Polak

The New England Revolution selected defender Tyler Polak from Creighton with the 22nd overall pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. (Photo Credit: Andy Mead / MLSsoccer.com)

Seeking to address its defensive shortcomings, the Revolution turned its attention to the rear by selecting Tyler Polak with the 22nd overall pick in the SuperDraft.

Polak, the second Generation adidas player taken by the team (Generation adidas member Kelyn Rowe being the first) on Thursday, is a 19-year-old left back from Creighton University who Jay Heaps will rely upon to help patch together a defense that allowed 58 goals to pour through last season.

The 5-8, 150lb. defender started all 24 of Creighton’s games in 2011. He added a goal and five assist to the Bluejays’ cause. In his two years at Creighton, the wingback started in all 44 of his games, scored three goals and chipped in with six assists.

In 2011, Lincoln, Neb. native earned NCSAA All-Midwest First Team honors for the second straight season and picked up Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year in 2010.

Polak is a left-footed player that gives the Revolution a much-needed true left back. Last year, the Revolution primarily leaned upon Darrius Barnes and Chris Tierney – neither of whom are pure wingbacks – to man the left wing. During last month’s Re-Entry Draft, New England selected Danleigh Borman in Stage 1 to address the left side of the rear. But the former University of Rhode Island midfielder/defender remains unsigned.

Interestingly, Polak is the second Creighton left back taken by the Revolution in the second round of the SuperDraft in the team’s last three drafts. Seth Sinovic was selected 25th overall in 2010, but was waived by the club last March. He went on to sign with Sporting Kansas City and earned a starting spot with the playoff-bound squad.

With a natural left back in the fold, the Revolution can turn its attention to the glaring deficiencies up top in next week’s supplemental draft. With Milton Caraglio gone, and the uncertainty surrounding Rajko Lekic’s contract negotiations, the team’s only true forward at the moment is Zack Schilawski.

Like fellow Revolution draftee Kelyn Rowe, Polak’s salary will not be counted against the team’s salary cap.