Connor Brandt, who was selected as New York City FC’s second pick of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, has signed a contract with the Club and joins the roster for their inaugural season.
Brandt has been with the Club throughout preseason in Jacksonville, Fla., Manchester, England, and Charleston, S.C.
While Brandt spent the majority of his playing career at the University of San Diego as a midfielder, he impressed at left back at the MLS Combine in Florida and is currently transitioning to the position with New York City FC.
In an interview with NYCFC.com, Brandt, the 2014 West Coast Conference Player of the Year, had the following in reaction to training camp, his transition to left back and to his signing:
“It’s been a good transition for me,” he said. “I had a few spells at left back my junior year at USD, so I’m familiar with the position. I like it because of the way we like to play. We attack out of the back, so not only am I playing a defensive role, I’m still getting to attack and get up the flank like I normally would in college.”
“I had a meeting with the team when I was there in Florida. They made me feel I was very welcome before I was even drafted. I left the room thinking, ‘I’d love to play for Jason and Claudio.’ They’re pushing me to be a better player and better person off the field as well.”
While Brandt is adjusting to a new position, his playing philosophy already fits into Kreis’ possession-based style. Speaking to NYCFC.com about the signing, Kreis said:
“Connor has worked hard to make an impression throughout our training camp. He adjusted well to our system and has shown that he has the ability to help our team today, and has the potential to develop into an even more important player in the future.”
