Drafted 30th overall by the Revolution in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, defender Simon Lekressner immediately impressed coaches across the organization with his athleticism and confidence. He spent virtually all of the preseason with the first team, traveling with Bruce Arena’s squad to Los Angeles and Portland, and appeared in three preseason games. Lekressner later signed with Revolution II ahead of its inaugural USL League One campaign and should compete for a major role in his rookie campaign. Let’s learn a little more about the outside back:
1. National Attention
As a young player growing up just outside Seattle, Lekressner was tabbed as one of the top young forwards in the nation. He was named team captain on his U-16 U.S. Soccer Development Academy team where he scored 31 goals in 29 games. His efforts earned him U.S.D.A. Player of the Year for the West Region as well as selections to the U.S. Best XI in 2014-15 and Youth All-American teams. Lekressner was also part of the U.S. U-19 player pool and was invited to a camp in the Canary Islands.
2. From Offense to Defense
When it came time for college, Lekressner was recruited as a forward and attended the University of California as a striker. During his first three seasons at Cal, the Bellevue, Wash., native was utilized in an attacking role, becoming a starter as a junior. During that season, he began transitioning into a defensive role after mainly playing as a center forward. His coaches at Cal put in extra time individually with Lekressner, watching video and holding individual training sessions after practice to help guide him adjust.
3. Golden Bear
Lekressner finished his four-year career at California with 65 appearances, including starts in each of his last 34 matches, saving his best season for last. As a senior fullback, Lekressner scored five of his eight career goals and added a pair of assists, as well. While he earned All-Pac 12 First Team honors on the field, his academic accomplishments equaled his soccer prowess. Lekressner graduated with a degree in economics in under four years, earning a spot on the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll and Pac-12 Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.
4. Proud of his Heritage
Lekressner is half Vietnamese and proudly represents his cultural heritage, mainly through his culinary roots. The defender is a Pho fanatic, a dish he claims is far and away his favorite food. Every place Lekressner has lived or traveled, he seeks out the best Pho place in the area to sample. While he hasn’t pinpointed a place in Massachusetts yet, he’s excited to try some of the local Vietnamese fare.
Here are some more fun facts about Simon:
Favorite Music Artist: Post Malone
Favorite Movie: Anchorman
Favorite Vacation Spot: San Diego
Which of the four seasons do you like most: Winter
Animal you identify with the most: Sloth
If a movie was made about you, which actor would you choose to play yourself: Ken Jeong
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be: Mixology
