FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – After being sent on two extended loan stints to USL side Orange County Soccer Club this year, New England Revolution rookie Mark Segbers officially returned to Foxborough on Tuesday evening.
Segbers gained valuable experience via crucial professional minutes out on the West Coast. Playing 19 games (starting 15) the midfielder/defender totaled more than 1,100 minutes with OCSC, and that time has been formative for the rookie’s career development.
“It’s a huge confidence booster, honestly,” said Segbers. “Being able to get professional minutes in any way, shape or form is definitely a nerve calmer for any rookie, so getting over 1,100 minutes under my belt is very important to me; and just trying to use that experience any way I can at this next level is the goal for me coming back.”
Orange County SC feature a pressing style that requires a high level of physical fitness, mirroring the system that Brad Friedel has implemented in New England. With this in mind, Segbers feels that his transition back to MLS and the Revs will be seamless.
“They play a similar style, so I think just playing that style of play and getting minutes under the belt as a rookie is very important,” said Segbers. “I hope that maybe I can get some minutes here and help in any way I can to the team, and just try to use that experience I had at USL and take it to the next level.”
Segbers is wasting no time trying to implement the experience he’s gained, as he began training with the Revs immediately on Wednesday morning upon his return. He is eager to reintegrate with his teammates and is looking to contribute to the Revs in any way possible.
“I can’t wait to be back with the guys,” said Segbers. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been here. I’m definitely excited to be back on the East Coast and get going with the guys, and try to turn this little slump we’re in around.”
Segbers will be available for selection for New England’s final nine matches of the regular season, with the Revs’ next game being against the Portland Timbers on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium (7:30 p.m., NBC Sports Boston and 98.5 The Sports Hub).
