New England rookie left back Seth Sinovic admits he feels nervous from time to time when he steps on the field with his more experienced teammates. It just doesn't show in the way he plays.
“It's been fun,” Sinovic told MLSsoccer.com earlier this month. “I think I've done pretty well. The speed of play is quicker, but after about a week, I think I adjusted to it pretty well.”
Revolution coach Steve Nicol said the 23-year-old Leawood, Kan. native has shown well as he has settled into the demands of professional soccer. While some players struggle to make the shift to the next level, Sinovic transitioned fairly seamlessly into the squad during his first training camp by displaying the type of intelligence required to man his position, according to Nicol.
“It's his general understanding of where he's been playing,” Nicol said. “He picks up a good position. He picks and chooses when to get forward at the right time. He's been decent on the ball. He's done a lot of good things.”
New England selected Sinovic in the second round of the SuperDraft after he impressed observers during a successful four-year career at Creighton. Although Sinovic possessed a solid resume and showed the type of qualities required to make the leap to the pros, he had to perform well to earn his place.
“We're not expecting anything out of anyone,” Nicol said. “You don't know what is going to happen when guys come in (to camp). We don't place any expectations either way and then we see what happens. He's done well.”
Sinovic did enough in training camp to earn a deal with the Revs for the upcoming campaign. With a contract now in hand, Sinovic can focus on continuing to make an impression on Nicol and the Revolution coaching staff and mounting his case for playing time when the season opens in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
“I think I need to keep doing what I do well,” Sinovic said. “I need to get forward – that's one of the biggest attributes to my game, going forward as an outside back. That's what makes me stand out in comparison to other backs.”
