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Mark Segbers is back with the New England Revolution and he’s eager to make an impact.
Segbers signed with the Revs on Feb. 10, but was only in area for a month before he traveled west to join Orange County SC on loan. It was a move orchestrated by head coach Brad Friedel to get the rookie some meaningful minutes.
“[Brad Friedel is] very straightforward and that’s what you want from a head coach,” Segbers told The Bent Musket. “I couldn’t be happier to get some soccer and to get off the training ground and get on the real game pitch.”
Segbers has been solid on the West Coast, collecting two goals and three assists in 703 minutes. These numbers prove that the rookie has been contributing to the team that’s currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference. Most important, however, is the fact that Segbers is learning what it’s like to be a professional.
“I definitely think [I’ve learned about] the whole grind of being a first year and making sure you’re putting your head down and really working,” Segbers. “At the end of it, you want to make sure you’re the hardest working guy and that you’re learning as much as you can.”
With the U.S. Open Cup looming, Segbers is back with the Revolution, doing his best to help the team that drafted him prepare for Louisville City FC. The game could turn out to be a good opportunity for Segbers as he looks to earn his first minutes in a Revolution uniform.
If he does play, it will be interesting to see where he lines up. Touted for his versatility coming out of college, Segbers can play anywhere on the field. Where he plays depends on where he’s needed.
“I’m kind of open-minded (to play) anywhere I can get on the field,” Segbers explained. “As a rookie, you just want minutes. It doesn’t matter if it’s up the field, defense, midfield, I’ll take it. I’ve been playing more up the field out on the West Coast, so kind of eager to see where they see me back on the East Coast.”