FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution has signed a pair of its 2013 draft picks: midfielder Donnie Smith and goalkeeper Luis (pronounced LOO-ee) Soffner. Both players were selected in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in January.
“We’re pleased to bring Donnie and Luis into the team,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said. “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. Both players did well during preseason training and we’re looking forward to seeing them develop in our system.”
Smith, 22, whom the Revs drafted with the 21st overall pick of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, 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). He was recognized on the 2011 NCAA College Cup all-tournament team after helping the 49ers advance to the national championship match. At the conclusion of his sophomore season, Smith earned 2010 first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors.
Soffner, 23, whom the Revs drafted with the 36th overall pick of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, 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.
He 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.
For up-to-the-minute information on the Revolution, visit the team’s official web site at revolutionsoccer.net, or join the conversation and interact with fans on any of the team’s social platforms: Twitter (@NERevolution, #NERevs), Facebook (NERevolution), Google+ (+NERevolution), Instagram (NERevolution), Pinterest (NERevolution), YouTube (NERevolutionSoccer) and Flickr (NERevolution).
For more information about any 2013 ticketing option, including the popular four- or six-game First Kick Plans which include a free limited-edition long-sleeve t-shirt, season tickets, or individual game tickets – please visit revolutionsoccer.net/tickets.
TRANSACTIONS: New England Revolution (MLS) – Signed M Donnie Smith and GK Luis Soffner
DONNIE SMITH
Jersey Number: 33
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: December 7, 1990 (Matthews, N.C.)
Hometown: Matthews, N.C.
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160 lbs.
College: UNC-Charlotte
Nationality: USA
How Acquired: Selected by the Revolution in the second round (21st overall) of the 2013 SuperDraft on Jan. 17, 2013; signed by the Revolution on Feb. 27, 2013
Twitter: @Donnie9Smith
LUIS SOFFNER
Jersey Number: 36
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: January 15, 1990 (St. Louis, Mo.)
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 210 lbs.
College: Indiana
Nationality: USA
How Acquired: Selected by the Revolution in the second round (36th overall) of the 2013 SuperDraft on Jan. 17, 2013; signed by the Revolution on Feb. 27, 2013
Twitter: @louie_soffner
