A dream was realized by 42 up-and-coming soccer talents on Thursday, as the first two rounds of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas were conducted in Philadelphia. For Crew SC's picks, Jamaican defender Sergio Campbell from UCONN and Israeli forward Sagi Lev-Ari, the anticipation of donning the Black & Gold is the next step in their journey to the professional ranks.
Both picks were ecstatic to be selected by Crew SC and playing in Gregg Berhalter's possession-based system.
"[Crew SC] has a good fanbase and they always try to play good soccer," Campbell said over the phone. I’m really looking forward to being in system like that. I was happy when I heard them call my name."
Echoed Lev-Ari: "I’m really, really excited. I looked forward to get drafted by [Columbus], and I’m glad it happened. I’m really, really excited and can’t wait for my first practice with the team and meet my teammates."
Campbell and Lev-Ari were able to meet with Berhalter at the adidas Player Combine in Fort Lauderdale last week where the Crew SC technical staff laid out its vision for each player.
"They looked to me like really, really good coaches with really good experience," Lev-Ari said of the Columbus technical staff. "I heard the team possessed the ball like 32 of 33 games, which is really impressive. I think that’s perfect for me as a forward."
Added Campbell: "[Berhalter] basically told me that I would fit in perfectly with proper coaching and the style of play."
Each of Crew SC's SuperDraft did their research on Columbus heading into the draft, and look forward to playing in front of the Nordecke in 2015.
Said Campbell, "Here at UCONN, our fanbase is crazy. I heard it’s similar [in Columbus]. I’m just looking forward to playing good soccer and being part of a good program."
"I want [Crew SC supporters] to know that I already saw all the videos about the fans," added Lev-Ari. "I’m really excited to meet them, and I can’t wait for the first game."
