The Voice recently caught up with fourth overall MLS SuperDraft pick and former Hoya soccer star Steve Neumann. During his last year on the Hilltop, he was named Big East offensive player of the year and was a second team All-American. He’ll be starting his professional career with the New England Revolution.
What does a player drafted to the MLS do in the days following the SuperDraft?
After the draft I spent some time with my friends and family that were at the draft. There was a great contingent of people there to support me because the Draft was in my hometown of Philadelphia.
Did you have an idea of what team you wanted to play for as the draft was happening?
I honestly had no idea which team I was going to get drafted to. Also, with all the trades that tend to happen in the first round, there is no way to really predict it. I was just trying to enjoy the moment and take it all in.
Are you happy playing for the Revs? Have you played with any members of the team before?
I’m definitely very pleased to be drafted to the New England Revolution. They have a great nucleus of young talent on the team and I am fitting in with the guys right away.
How different is the training schedule with the Revs compared to training at Georgetown?
The training schedule is fairly similar to college, with training every day of the week. The only difference is I don’t have to rush to the field from Accounting or Marketing classes!
How awkward is it going to be in a few years when you’re stepping onto the field to play against Tommy Muller, Ian Christianson, or Joey Dillon? Can you expect any trash talk?
I’m definitely looking forward to interacting with my previous teammates at Georgetown at the pro level. They are all high quality players and also very driven individuals, so I’m sure they will have long careers in the MLS.
If you got to play against one professional MLSer or former MLSer, who would it be and why?
If I got to play against one MLS player it would be Thierry Henry. He was an idol of mine growing up and I have a few of his jerseys at home from when he played on Arsenal. It would be a dream come to true to share the field with such a legend of the game.
