Sporting Kansas City selected three players in the first round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday: California midfielder Connor Hallisey at No. 10, Akron defender Saad Abdul-Salaam at No. 12, and Clemson defender Amadou Dia at No. 20. Below is reaction from Hallisey and Abdul-Salaam on joining the club.
California midfielder Connor Hallisey
Opening remarks on being drafted by Sporting KC...
First of all, I want to say thank you to Sporting Kansas City for giving me this opportunity. I can’t even explain the feelings that are going through me right now. I also want to thank my coaches and everyone who’s supported me to get to this position. I’m very excited to get going at Sporting KC. It’s an awesome opportunity and a great club with a good history. Peter Vermes is an awesome coach, and they play an awesome style. They have a lot of good veterans and a lot of promising young guys, so I just can’t wait to go in there, learn a lot from them and be with the team.
On if he knew Sporting KC was interested in him prior to the draft...
There are rumors, but it’s hard because teams kind of stay quiet leading up to the draft. So it’s kind of (unpredictable) in terms of where you end up, but I couldn’t be happier that Sporting KC drafted me.
On fitting in with Sporting KC's style of play...
I was talking to Peter [Vermes] and the style they play and their fast pace—trying to win the ball back, then going forward and creating scoring chances—really fits my game perfectly. I like a fast-paced style, and I think it fits me well.
On how significantly he'll contribute during his rookie season...
I haven’t had the conversation with them yet, but I know they already have a great group of guys there who are ready to do very well next year. I’ll come into the team and do whatever I can to contribute and give my 100 percent. So whatever that means, I’m very excited to contribute.
On his strengths as a player...
I’m quick, I’m left-footed and I like to think that I can create a lot of scoring chances going forward. But at the same time, I’ll work hard defensively for the team. So I think the way I play is something the Sporting KC coaches saw in me, and they think I’ll be a good fit for their style of play.
On receving advice from current professionals who played at Cal...
I’ve talked to [D.C. United defender] Steve Birnbaum multiple times, and he’s really helped me through the process. He’s explained what it’s going to be like and what it’s going to take to play at the next level. I’m sure I’ll have more conversations with him before I even start preseason about what I need to focus on to be successful.
On the prospect of waiting a year for significant playing time at Sporting KC...
For me, I wanted to come into a place where I was valued. Whether that value is playing right away or being under a guy’s wing and learning as much as I can from veterans who are already there, I’m excited. Sporting KC is a great fit and they believe in me. Waiting a year [to play] and learning from those guys is an awesome opportunity, so I have no problem with that.
Akron defender Saad Abdul-Salaam
Opening remarks on being drafted by Sporting KC...
This is just an unbelievable day and definitely something I’ll never forget. I’m glad to be in such a great place like Sporting Kansas City. I’m really looking forward to it and getting there to improve myself.
On the progression of his college career at Akron...
After high school I was academically ineligible. I went to Akron and sat out a year to focus on my academics. I did that, walked onto Akron, and from there, just worked hard and never looked back. Akron is a great place with great fans, and Sporting KC is the same way. I’m looking forward to the whole experience of being there.
On when he realized he could play soccer professionally...
By the end of my junior year, I definitely saw potential and wanted to work toward that goal of becoming a pro. All that hard work waking up early in the morning for practices really paid off. I’m happy and excited to have an opportunity to be at such a great place in Sporting Kansas City.
On fitting in with Sporting KC's style of play...
I think it fits perfectly. I’m definitely a more attacking-minded outside back. I like to get up and down the field, I like the 1-v-1 battles and getting back and shutting people down. I definitely think my style of play at Akron is going to translate to Sporting Kansas City. I’m fit and I’m ready to get there to play in front of that great fan base.
