Zavaleta slated for top-5 MLS draft pick

Former IU forward Eriq Zavaleta possesses more control of his future than other prospects in the 2013 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

At the MLS Player Combine opener on Friday, the Westfield, Ind., native played a “solid” match as striker. After an off day Saturday, Zavaleta moved to center back for Sunday’s doubleheader.

“It’s a testament to my soccer IQ,” Zavaleta told Simon Borg of mlssoccer.com after the match. “I’m ready to pick a position and start learning more and more and becoming an expert at that position. But I’m excited that teams can look at me at two different positions.”

According to topdrawersoccer.com’s final mock draft, the New England Revolution will select Zavaleta fourth overall.

Another former Hoosier, goalkeeper Luis Soffner, said the people with whom he spoke gave him reason to be optimistic about his future as well. However, Soffner said he will not attend the draft because it is rare for a team to draft a goalkeeper in the first two rounds.

“After talking with a lot of people, I was really comfortable and confident that, after leaving today, I think I’m going to have a pretty good shot at making a team,” he said by phone. “I’m really excited. I feel like my play pushed me over the hump. I performed to the best of my ability this weekend. I did everything I could. I’m hopeful somebody will give me a chance, and hopefully I can make the best of it.

“Overall, I played really well. I let up one goal all weekend. One goal in three games isn’t too bad. All the people I talked to said I did really well and that I looked really comfortable in net. I had all the tools to make it to the next level. That was really reassuring.”

IU Coach Todd Yeagley coached Zavaleta and Soffner one final time, as each were on Yeagley’s Prime squad. Soffner said that was ideal.

“When I saw Todd was going to be our coach, I kind of laughed,” Soffner said. “It wouldn’t be any better. It wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t end it like this. Knowing he was there, with Eriq on our team also, he was supporting us 100 percent.”

Soffner said playing with guys he did not really know could lead to occasional chaos. Yeagley’s efforts to instill tactics with which Soffner was familiar benefited the St. Louis native, he said, because he was more comfortable directing traffic.

Zavaleta understands the luxury his versatility offers.

“Each team is at least going to have an open mind about it, take me into preseason and see how I do,” Zavaleta said. “I think that’s the best thing for me and for the team. And put me where I can flourish on that team. I won’t find out right away, but I’ll find out in time.

I’m happy to be wherever. I feel like I’m ready to step in wherever and whatever team picks me. Wherever a team needs me, I’ll be there ready to play.”