The New England Revolution found itself on the outside of the playoff picture looking in last season. In an effort to avoid a repeat of that scenario, the Revs looked to shore up its defense by landing one of the top centerback prospects in the MLS SuperDraft, taking California's A.J. Soares with the sixth overall pick.
Steve Nicol went to the Atlantic Coast Conference well in the second round, selecting North Carolina's 6-foot-4 defensive midfielder Stephen McCarthy. With its three third-round picks the Revolution added attackers in Notre Dame's Steven Perry, Monmouth's Ryan Kinne and William & Mary's Alan Koger.
The crown jewel of the Revolution's class, though, is Soares, who enjoyed a standout career at Cal and should be able to step in aside budding defenders Kevin Alston and Darrius Barnes to contribute immediately.
SBI's Mike Nastri caught up with Soares after the Revolution selected him in the draft. Video is after the jump:
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/18765683 w=440&h=292]
AJ Soares Draft from Soccer By Ives on Vimeo.