LOS ANGELES – The New England Revolution’s technical staff went into the MLS Combine with an eye on University of Kentucky midfielder Napo Matsoso, a player who head coach Jay Heaps said they’d watched develop throughout his four years in Lexington.
“He’s a player that was on our radar going into the Combine,” Heaps said. “We wanted to see how he matched up (with the competition) at the Combine.”
Matsoso passed the test as the Revs selected the 5-foot-6, 150-pound midfielder with the 31st overall pick in the second round of Friday afternoon’s MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
Despite his diminutive stature Matsoso has the versatility to play virtually anywhere through central midfield, according to Heaps, although his attacking statistics – eight goals and four assists as a senior – suggest he’s well-suited for a more advanced role.
“From day one to three (at the Combine), you could see continuing every day he was excellent in possession, crafty enough to get out of tight spots, and versatile enough to be a six, an eight or a 10 in terms of different roles,” said Heaps.
“Where he fits with us, that will be determined. But that type of versatility is hard to just pull out. We’re excited to have someone that we know can be versatile in midfield.”
