Lehigh University Athletics
Welch selected in 4th round of MLS SuperDraft
1/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A dream came true Thursday night for Lehigh men’s soccer senior Adam Welch, as he was selected by the New England Revolution with the 57th overall pick of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft held in Philadelphia.
“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted to play professional soccer,” Welch said. “As I progressed at college I thought it was a long shot, but I got the opportunity to go to the MLS Combine and I did pretty well there. New England has given me a great opportunity to play professional soccer.”
Lehigh head coach Dean Koski offered his thoughts on Welch getting drafted, “I’m very excited for Adam that he’s going to get the chance to play in the MLS. This is a great an opportunity for him and I am really proud.”
Welch was invited to the 2010 MLS Combine which was held from January 8-12 in Central Broward Regional Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Bethlehem, Pa., native was one of 64 Division I seniors to take part in the combine and one of two representing the Patriot League (Conor O’Brien, Bucknell).
Welch was confident after the combine and was preparing to be possibly selected late in the draft.
“I thought if I was going to get drafted it was going to be in the fourth round,” Welch said. “My name wasn’t as big as some of the other players here (combine), but I thought I did well."
The defender/forward is coming off a very successful last season for the Brown and White. Welch has earned numerous accolades this offseason. He was named to the NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region first team; he was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-League first team selection.
Statistically, Welch is coming off a career year with the Mountain Hawks where he led the team in points (15) and tied for the team lead in goals (five). He scored two game-winning goals, including the overtime game-winner against Bucknell that clinched a Patriot League Tournament berth for the Mountain Hawks. He displayed his versatility by moving up to forward half way through the season and didn’t miss a beat.
Welch looks back on his time at Lehigh and knows it has helped him reach his dream.
“I think coach Koski and coach Benn, along with the entire program really helped me grow as a player,” Welch said. “The coaching staff has not only helped me develop athletically, but also mentally. The coaches have a thorough knowledge of organized soccer and I owe them a lot for my growth as a player over the last four years.”
The Patriot League was represented well at the SuperDraft as Colgate midfielder Chris Ross was taken with the pick right after Welch.
“We didn’t have any players make the combine in several years and to have Adam drafted brings a lot of credibility to the league,” Koski said. “Ross wasn’t invited to the combine, but I think it helps show how competitive the league is. I think there were four or five players this past year from the league that could play in the MLS.”
For now Welch knows there is still a lot of work left to do as he must now prepare for preseason camp with the Revolution.
“I get the opportunity to go to preseason camp and fight for a roster spot,” Welch said. “I know it’s going to be an uphill battle for me, I have a lot left to prove that I can play at the next level.”
Preseason camp will take place in February with the MLS season starting in March.
