Men's Soccer: Pair of seniors drafted in MLS Supplemental

“This is something that I had been hoping for, but I had no idea that anyone was taking a look at me,” Walburn said. “It’s not something that usually happens.”

While getting drafted by MLS teams is a rare occurrence for Princeton soccer players, head coach Jim Barlow believes it is an accolade his players rightly deserve.

“The past few seasons have been really strong for Ivy League soccer with four teams making the NCAA playoffs in each of the past two seasons,” Barlow said in an e-mail.

“With our league getting so much attention and respect now on the national level, it is not surprising that MLS teams are taking a closer look at our players.”

On the field, Walburn, who was named first-team all-region this season, and Schneider, who was named second-team All-Ivy, will get the opportunity to cross paths and train with nationally and internationally known players. Schneider, for example, finds himself on the same roster as former Barcelona and Arsenal star Thierry Henry as well as Mexico national team captain Rafael Marquez.

To compete with these stars and hardened veterans, both players will need to improve their physical and technical skills and quickly adjust to the pace of the professional game.

“At the MLS level, the speed of play is faster than what they are used to,” Barlow said. “Being able to keep up with the pace is the biggest challenge. These guys are going from playing in college games to playing with and against some of the best players in the world with years of professional experience.”

Walburn seconded Barlow’s remarks. “I definitely need to work on my fitness and especially focus on playing simple and keeping it nice and easy.”

With their spots on the roster for the upcoming season not guaranteed, both players are preparing themselves for the difficult campaign and are keen to impress their respective coaching staffs. Indeed, Walburn has already traveled down to Philadelphia to train with the Union squad.

“Right now, I’m going through some workouts with the team,” he said. “I’m really excited to get a chance to make the team.”