PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Mark Segbers was confident that regardless of which team selected him at Friday afternoon’s MLS SuperDraft 2018 presented by adidas, it would be the right fit for him.
That confidence only grew when Segbers was drafted ninth overall by the New England Revolution, a club with an eager new head coach in Brad Friedel and a staff looking for competition at Segbers’ preferred position on the right side of the field.
“Walking in today, a lot of people were pretty nervous,” Segbers said. “I was probably one of the more calm people; I knew that God had a plan for me. I knew he’d put me in the right spot, and New England is it. I’m very happy.”
Like his newest teammate and eighth overall pick Brandon Bye, Segbers was an attack-minded winger in college, registering 16 goals and 22 assists in four years at the University of Wisconsin. But he has the versatility to feature at right back, as well, and will compete for minutes right out of the gate.
That, for Segbers, is what makes New England such a perfect fit.
“I know they’ve got a lot of faith in me and there are a lot of minutes to be fought for,” said Segbers, who noted Friedel’s intensity after their initial conversation. “That’s all you can really ask for as a rookie.”
Segbers is a product of the renowned St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, which produced Revolution legends like Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan, and he’s eager to carry on the tradition of professional players from the soccer hotbed in Missouri.
He’ll begin that journey on Monday when players report to Foxborough for preseason camp, and although Segbers said he’s never been to Boston before, he simply can’t wait to get settled into his new home.
“It’s a quick turnaround, but that’s the way I want it,” said Segbers. “I would hate to have to go back home and wait a month before I can get up to my new spot. I’m excited to make the quick turnaround and I’m excited to get on the field and start working.”
