Patrick Phelan Q & A Interview

Patrick Phelan was kind enough to speak with Soccer City FC after the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. He was the site's first collegiate player interview as well as the site's first professional player interview.

- Congratulations on being selected tenth overall by Toronto FC. How excited are you? What other emotions are you feeling?

A: I'm very excited to have been drafted so highly by Toronto. I think they had an excellent draft day, one of the best in the MLS, and I see no reason why the 2008 season won't blow the 2007 season out of the water. I'm glad that the "in-between" period after college is over and thrilled to have such a great opportunity. Being from Connecticut I've visited Toronto before and it's a fabulous city with arguably the best fans in the MLS. It was also pretty tough to sit around waiting to see where you will begin your career as a professional so I'm happy that part is over.

- How much do you think your inclusion in the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team pool as well as your performance at the MLS Combine had to do with your top-ten overall selection?

A: My goal at the combine was to play consistently and not to do anything to lower my stock going into the draft and I think I succeeded in that respect. As for being part of the U-23 MNT, I think it allowed some coaches an extra opportunity to see me play at a high level before the draft. I also think it may have helped to squash any doubts that coaches may have had about me as a player. I truly feel that I belong in the U-23 pool and I'm very thankful for the opportunity. The past month has been very exciting for me and I'm ready to move on and begin my career.

- A projected 800 to 1,000 Toronto FC supporters will be in attendance on March 29th at Columbus. How gratifying will it be to see so much away support in Columbus?

A: It is always a bonus when your fans join you for away games and with the level of support that the Toronto fans bring to every match it may well feel like a home game. I'm sure it will help us to start off the season on a positive note which will be very important for the team.

- How happy are you to be heading to Toronto FC with Wake Forest teammate Brian Edwards?

A: Whenever you go to a new place it always helps to have a familiar face with you. Playing with Brian for the past 4 years has allowed us to develop a great chemistry and I'm sure we will be able to carry that over into the pros and help each other out adjusting to the new environment. I'm very excited for Brian (and for Julian Valentin who was drafted to LA). They both have worked unbelievably hard to get to this point and they both deserve to be where they are today. I'm looking forward to carrying the success that Brian and I had at Wake Forest into the professional ranks.

[Please Note]

This interview first seen at GoTorontoFC