Former Cal Midfielder Starts For MLS' Red Bulls

Midfielder Luke Sassano watched over the last few years as teammates moved on to professional leagues, while gladly paying his dues over four seasons with the Cal men's soccer team.

His buddies are doing quite alright. Steve Purdy continues to hold his own in the brutally competitive Bundesliga II, while senior Andrew Jacobson couldn't have landed in a better situation, signing with Ligue 1 side FC Lorient.

But it finally looks like the midfielder is, quote-on-quote, gettin' his. After being drafted by the New York Red Bulls, it's been smooth sailing for Sassano. His impressive play in the preseason earned him that ever elusive MLS contract, and the recent string of injuries to the New York midfield have officially vaulted Sassano to Blake DeWitt-status.

After notching his first professional cap as a starter during the season-opener against the Columbus Crew, Sassano speaks to The Daily Californian about life as a pro so far.

The Daily Californian: Being named in the starting eleven for the season-opener as a rook. How's that for a jump-start to your career?

Luke Sassano: It felt really good. You know, it wasn't what I was expecting about a month ago, but some guys got injured, and I had made sure I prepared myself in case something like that happens. It was good, man. It was a great atmosphere.

DC: You've played all over the pitch during your time here at Cal. Where did you find yourself Saturday night?

LS: We played a 3-5-2, so I was on the outside of the midfield, the flank position where you try to run up and down on both offense and defense.

DC: Did you receive any rookie treatment during the win over the Crew?

LS: I mean, I wouldn't say guys didn't play me the ball, but I could've been more vocal. It was my first game, and I was a little more passive than I usually am. I definitely could have asked for the ball more, but the older guys definitely helped me along.

DC: There are some big names among that group of "older guys" on your squad. How's it like to play with them?

LS: It's fun. They make the game a lot easier. These guys have played at the highest level, you know-Dave (van den Bergh), Claudio (Reyna), Juan Pablo (Angel). The first week, I was like, crap, I'm playing with Claudio Reyna. But you've gotta just think of them as regular players because they are, pretty much. They're all talented guys, and they just want to be part of the team.

DC: Has anyone been particularly harsh with the jokes on the new guy?

LS: I wouldn't say harsh. The coach always pokes fun at me a little bit because I have a bit of a candy problem, a sugar problem. The guys would be clowning on me because I'm the guy who goes to the dessert first, you know, before the meal. But it's all a part of the fun and games.

DC: Let's look back to January when you were drafted. What do you recall?

LS: You know what, I actually didn't even watch the draft.

DC: Why, were you that certain?

LS: No, it wasn't that. I was just nervous. I went down to my sister's classroom to kind of hang out with the kids, and then I got a phone call. To be honest, I had no idea where or when I was going to be drafted.

DC: But now you're starting on a top MLS club. How has your time at Cal prepared you for such a move?

LS: I think the coaching staff, and how professionally run the team, whether it's meals, coaches taking care of your body, or even the people all the way into the equipment room. Also, playing around really good players gets you ready for the next level. That really helped me.

DC: Aside from superb coaching, what else do you miss about Berkeley?

LS: I miss the La Burrita, for sure, and Chipotle being within walking distance. I miss the people very much. There's such a diverse group of people. I miss all my friends back home, just being able to walk around, walk to places. Soccer wise, I obviously miss the guys.

DC: How are the burritos in NY?

LK: All I've tried is Chipotle. I haven't got away from it.

DC: I'm sure they pale in comparison to what we have here in California. The taco trucks in Oakland will welcome you home in the offseason, Luke.

Tags: MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER