Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Revolution found an absolute diamond in the 2014 MLS Super Draft, midfielder Alec Sundly.
Now, three months later, The American Pitch had a chance to talk with Sundly about his experiences with the Revolution and current on-loan club, the Rochester Rhinos.
TAP– Tell me about your experience of going through the MLS Combine
AS– “I was actually not able to participate in the combine, due to a weird health condition. I figured that would significantly effect my chances of being drafted. It put a lot of pressure and stress on me, but in the end, I am very thankful that the New England Revolution had faith in me as a player via scouting and the year I had at Cal, to draft me regardless of my participation in the combine.”
After the combine, Sundly was sent on a whirlwind next few days leading up to the draft. He met with several doctors, who helped him figure out his health problem before draft day came. Sundly would see his dream come true, as the Revolution drafted him in the second round with the 31st pick overall.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
TAP– What was your reaction when the Revolution drafted you?
AS– “The experience, you never forget it. Watching it on TV and seeing how things work in the MLS, you never really know where you are going. It is just one of those things that you have to wait and see. Having my whole family and anticipating on being drafted on the first day, regardless of it being first or second round. Being drafted in the first two rounds was a dream for me. It definitely was an awesome experience and I would not have wanted it any other way.”
“Being drafted in the first two rounds was a dream for me.”
Sundly was one of four draft picks for the Revolution during this year’s MLS Super Draft. The Revs drafted two forwards, Patrick Mullins and Pierre Omanga, and two midfielders, Steve Neumann and Sundly. Both Neumann and Mullins are on the Revs first team with Sundly is now on loan to USL PRO club, the Rochester Rhinos.
TAP-What was the reason for getting loaned to Rochester?
Courtesy of Rochester Rhinos
AS– “Jay Heaps called me and said that I would be going on-loan purely for developmental reasons. They told me that I had a great season and that I earned a roster spot.”
TAP– Talk about your experiences so far with the Rhinos.
AS– “I have learned a lot since coming here. It is good when you move to a new team that you are able to adapt and learn new things that help you grow as a player. It has all been a learning experience and I have embraced it 100%”
TAP– How much playing time are you getting?
AS– “I have certainly had to work to get a spot on the team. I had to work very hard for all my playing time. Just because I was coming in as a MLS player, did not mean that I expected to start. I had to work hard just like everyone else here.”
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TAP-What is it like to play with Diego Fagundez?
AS-“Diego is definatily a good player, he is certainly a rising. For me, being able to learn from a guy like him that is so young but a veteran in the league is amazing. He and I are really good friends. On and off the field we have been able to get to know each other more. He has a great head on his shoulders and he certain is determined when he plays. He makes players around him better, which is a huge asset to have. It has been an awesome experience getting to know him.”
“He makes players around him better, which is a huge asset to have.”
Sundly is certainly a player that any coach would want to have on his team. He is hard-working, quick and strong. The amount of talent wrapped-up into one player at such a young age is remarkable. The experience that Sundly is gaining while on loan with the Rhinos is making him a better player overall. When the time comes for Sundly to make his début for the Revs in a regular season game, he will be ready and willing to make a positive impact. Sundly does play in the central midfield, so he is fortunate to have players like Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe to learn from. The future is bright for the young midfielder and the Revolution and Rhinos are incredibly fortunate to have him on their team’s.