FROM FAN TO PLAYER "Overjoyed" Richards ready for Red Bulls
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
Indianapolis -- A fan of the New York Red Bulls has an opportunity to become a Red Bull player.
That became possible Friday when the Red Bulls selected Clemson midfielder-forward Dane Richards as their first pick in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
The Red Bulls waited until the 19th overall choice to tab Richards, who made one appearance for the Jamaican National Team in a a 1-1 draw with the U.S. that was coach by Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena last April.
"They're my team," Richards said by telephone. "I just keep following them.
"I know Bruce Arena is one of the biggest coaches in the United States."
Richards said that former Red Bulls midfielder and captain Amado Guevara was his favorite player. "I just like him," he said.
He has a New York connections as Richards has an uncle and cousins who live in the Bronx.
Richards, 23, said he played 30 minutes in the international friendly, probably not enough to make much of an impression on Arena, who was more interested in preparing the U.S. National Team for the World Cup at that time.
However, the 5-7, 153-lb. Richards impressed Arena and his staff at the MLS player combine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. last week.
Richards, a right-sided player, got an inkling he would be chosen by the Red Bulls after Arena called him Wednesday and said he was interested in him.
"I was just excited," he said.
As he was Friday when Dane discovered from his college coach that the Red Bulls had selected him.
"I was full of excitement," he said. "I was overjoyed. I didn't know how to express it."
He later added: "I just wanted to reach the highest level here."
Richards said he will forgo the spring semester and join the Red Bulls for pre-season training in Bradenton, Fla. Feb. 2.
He said he plans to arrive in top condition.
"I think my chances are very good" to make the team, Richards added.
The Montego Bay native scored 11 goals and added nine assists for Clemson this past year. He collected 12 goals and eight assists in 2005.
Richards, a second team All-American, was national junior college player of the year at San Jacinto College in Houston in 2004.
Michael Lewis can be reached at BigAppleEdit@aol.com.
