Interview with Eric Brunner

Give us the story of your career thus far; what were key moments that led to you getting into the college game and eventually MLS? What advice would you give to anyone trying to get to this level?

I played competitively since I was around the age of 8. I didn't start to realize that I wanted to play college ball until I started to improve as a player. I did ODP (Olympic development program) which allowed me to further my ability, and ultimately get to a college program. I told myself that if I would improve more as a player than the professional game was an option. At an early age I had aspirations, but I didn't realize it until I was in college that is was attainable. Advice for people that want to get to the next level, whatever that may be, is just work hard and don't be contempt with how you're playing. Even at the professional level you can constantly learn as a player.

Walk us through the entire draft experience, from the end of the season, to the combine, and eventually the draft itself.

The end of the season fortunately enough for me ended with being in the national championship, though we didn't win, it gave me an advantage of still being match fit. As soon as that was over, I found my agent, and started working out for the combine. The combine itself was run by MLS and took place in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and comprised of 3 games over 4 days. It was definitely tough because you're playing for you future. I had a very good combine over I felt, and was fortunate enough to win MVP of it, which is something I'll cherish. The draft was crazy, the fans that were there were chanting the whole time, the whole scenario of I'm going to become a professional soccer player was unreal. I had my mother, father, and my cousin there for support and it was a great feeling once I heard my name called as the first pick for the New York Red Bulls.

How has communication with New York and MLS been so far? Have you met with any of the Red Bulls' coaching staff and/or players?

Communication with New York began before I even went to the combine. They contacted me to set up a meeting with them while I was at the combine. The meeting was basically just to figure me out as an individual off the field and see if I would fit in with their organization. Oddly enough, it was the most intense meeting I had, and from what others had said about it they thought the same thing. But I found out later that I was the first person that they interviewed. As for meeting with the coaching staff, I met with them at the combine, but also after I was drafted, the whole staff and my family went out to dinner to celebrate. It was a very fun meal, just picking the brain of them and as they did of me. I know a player already that plays for them and him and I are friends, so that's a plus. I talked with Renya while I was in Baltimore briefly so that was cool.

How difficult has it been making the jump to a professional league so far? Obviously you have yet to touch the field, but think more in terms of contract negotiations, finding an agent, etc. Is this something MLS helps out with or do you have to seek the help yourself?

I mean it's a process I've never encountered before. I had to find an agent that I completely trusted and knew would look out for me, as he did. As for contracts, he handles everything and goes over it with me. He's with a very well known agency so I know I'm in good hands. At the combine we had a Union meeting with the Players Union to figure out some things and also with the league, but mostly it's your agent that handles everything.

Prior to this year, had you known of any interest from other teams? Perhaps someone overseas or a USL team? Had anyone encouraged you to enter the draft early?

Entering the draft early is very tough because a few MLS coaches have to want you, and if that occurs the league will approach you. I had never heard anything about leaving early for the draft.

Had soccer not worked out for you, where would you be right now?

I would still be attending school at The Ohio State University, and would be looking for a job. Maybe pursuing a coaching career.

The Red Bulls defense was tied for the third worst in the league last season, Toronto and Los Angeles being the only teams to concede more goals. It's obvious Osorio drafted you, a tall defender with a solid left foot, to address this problem. Keeping this in mind, what are your expectations for this season?

I think most of all not give up as many goals. I think we have the firepower up top and they're doing their job up there, so for the defense we need to keep goals out.

I see that you've made personal trips to the UK to watch Premiership games. Has this experience been beneficial to your footballing mind in some way?

As soccer has grown here in America it's opened up opportunities for people to watch more European soccer, with FSC coming about. I think wactching the best players in the world can only help you as a player. You can learn a lot by watching and seeing how they handle certain scenarios. I think the one thing you can pick up is they do the simple things consistently and more often than trying to do the difficult thing.

Anything you'd like to add to the New York faithful?

Glad to be with the organization and hope that I can contribute in a positive manner!