Podcast: Revolution Academy Player of the Year Eric Klein on his journey

Eric Klein, the 2023-24 Revolution Academy Player of the Year, joined 'The Goal.' (New England Revolution)

The latest guest on New England Soccer Journal’s “The Goal” podcast is New England Revolution II midfielder Eric Klein.

Earlier this month, Klein was named the Revolution Academy Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season. The native of Manheim, Penn., who recently signed his first professional contract with New England’s MLS Next Pro side, Revolution II, is the 10th different recipient of the award, selected annually by the Revolution Technical Staff to the most outstanding amateur player in the club’s Pro Player Pathway during the previous season.

Klein, 17, became the 13th Revolution Academy graduate to sign a professional contract with Revolution II, inking his contract on Sept. 18. He made his professional debut as an amateur player on July 12, 2023 vs. Crown Legacy FC.

He joined hosts Matt Langone and Matt Doherty to discuss the honor of being named the Revolution Academy Player of the Year, and his journey through the Revolution organization.

The full podcast can be accessed below and is available on all major platforms. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and a review.

Here are some highlights from our discussion with Klein:

On what the award means to him:

Klein: “It means a lot. There’s a lot of big names that have won it. So, hopefully I can keep on going and make my way to the first team.”

On how he went from Pennsylvania to the Revolution Academy:

Klein: “I didn’t really have a whole lot of other options, to be honest — MLS club-wise. So, I came up here for a trial, my U-15 year maybe, and then I came up a couple of times throughout that year. Like I said, I didn’t really have many other options, so I decided to go for it and it worked out. It was a great choice.”

On the skill set he brings to the field:

Klein: “I think defensive midfield is kind of my natural position. But, like you said, I’m an athlete. I’m comfortable in a lot of different spots. So, I think that’s also a very valuable thing, for sure. It just helps you kind of stay on the field or get your first kind of crack on the team.”

On advice he would give to younger players looking to play at an elite level:

Klein: “My advice would be just kind of think about why you’re there? You know what I mean? Like, think about why (you) decided you want to be a pro? You want to play in the MLS, you want to play at a high level, which is ultimately why you’re there and why you’re making those sacrifices. So, I think, for me, just keep reminding myself the reason I’m here — that helped me.”