On Feb. 27, the New England Revolution announced the signing of 2013 draft picks midfielder Donnie Smith and goalkeeper Luis Soffner. Both players were selected in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in January.
“Donnie has a unique combination of tremendous speed and wide play on the left side, while Luis was one of college soccer’s top goalkeepers the last few seasons," said Revolution General Manager Michael Burns. "Both players did well during preseason training and we’re looking forward to seeing them develop in our system.”
Donnie Smith
Smith (21st overall) appeared in six preseason games with the Revolution, recording one assist in the 3-1 win against New York Red Bulls on Feb. 16. Smith was a 2012 NSCAA Scholar All-America at UNC-Charlotte, and scored four goals and added four assists in 19 appearances (16 starts) in his 2012 senior season.
In 2011, he earned second-team All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 25 appearances (10 starts). At the conclusion of his sophomore season, Smith earned 2010 first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors.
Luis Soffner
Soffner (36th overall) appeared in one preseason game with the Revolution, drawing a win in the team’s 4-1 victory over Phoenix FC (USL PRO). Soffner was a four-year starter at Indiana and backed the Hoosiers to the 2012 NCAA Championship while earning NCAA College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors.
Soffner started 83 of 84 career matches, and as a senior, posted an 0.72 goals against average with 12 shutouts. His 16 wins as a senior were the most at IU since 2004 (19). On his career, Soffner was 47-26-11 with an 0.93 GAA. His 32 career shutouts and 262 career saves both rank fourth, respectively, in IU history.
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