The Chicago Fire pulled the first real surprise of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft when they selected defender Matt Polster with their seventh overall pick in Philadelphia.
However, the choice was less of a surprise to Fire coach Frank Yallop and his coaching staff, who had identified the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville product as their second preferred pick going into Thursday’s event, based on their existing knowledge of the player and a strong performance at the Combine in Florida.
Polster, born in Milwaukee and raised in Las Vegas, had already shown his pedigree in three appearances for the Fire’s Premier Development League side in 2014 and, as such, his selection was a calculated move by Yallop to fill a need at center back while also offering potential cover in midfield.
“I had him very high, we had him second on our list of possible guys to take,” Yallop told reporters on a conference call Thursday.
“We scouted him this season, we liked what we saw, he stood out in the Combine against his peers, and I felt that it was a good move for us. I see him as a center back, but he can play center midfield. I think he’s a strong candidate for us. ”
At 6’0” and 170 lbs, Polster has the physical attributes to compete right away in MLS, and Yallop admitted he would love to see him come in and stake a claim for an immediate place on his roster.
“If he’s good enough to be playing well, he’s playing,” Yallop insisted. “I want him to come in and compete like I do with all my players.”
Polster revealed that he and his agent had spoken with the Fire this week, and after his efforts at the Combine, he was optimistic that his chances of a high selection were improved.
“I didn’t know where I was going to go in the Draft, but after the Combine I felt more confident that I was able to go into battle with some of the best players in the country,” Polster told reporters on a conference call Thursday. “And after those three games, I was more confident that I could be this high of a pick.”
- The latest Fire headlines from Chicago-Fire.com
The 21-year-old was briefly overcome with emotion as he approached the podium after his selection, the enormity of realizing his professional soccer dream clearly getting to him.
“I’ve been playing since I was three and the goal is to go pro,” he said. “To finally have the opportunity, because I still have to work hard, but to have the opportunity that’s been presented to me really got me.”
He added: “As a soccer player you just want to be picked in the Draft, but being picked by Chicago just makes it even sweeter. I love Chicago, so I’m happy.”
