Jan. 31, 1998 – Revolution select Johnny Torres with No. 5 pick in MLS draft

Johnny Torres had a strong career with the Revolution, totaling eight goals in 88 appearances before being traded in 2001. Coach Thomas Rongen revamped the Revolution for the ’98 season, building the team around experienced players. Torres (now a Creighton University assistant coach) fit in well with the veterans. But a lack of chemistry proved costly as the Revolution failed to advance to the MLS playoffs.

The ’98 draft included other players who would go on to play important roles with the Revolution, including No. 1 pick Leo Cullen, who the Revolution would acquire from Miami in a trade for Torres in 2001. Also, there were Daniel Hernandez (second round), Joe Franchino and Matt Reis (third round). Several others went on to have success in direct confrontations with the Revolution: Tyrone Marshall (No. 9 pick), Wade Barrett (No. 10), Pablo Mastroeni (second round).

Below is my 2/1/1998 Globe story:

REVOLUTION DRAFT COLLEGE STAR

The Revolution selected 1997 Hermann Trophy winner Johnny Torres with the fifth pick of the first round in the Major League Soccer collegiate draft, which was conducted yesterday in Fort Lauderdale. Torres, a 21-year-old midfielder, refused offers from several Mexican League teams and will join the Revolution for training camp in Foxborough next week, according to coach Thomas Rongen.

Torres was born in Medellin, Colombia, and moved to the US when he was 8. He was raised by an adoptive family in Omaha and attained US citizenship in 1996. Though Torres was named player of the year by the Missouri Athletic Club (Hermann Trophy) and Soccer America magazine while at Creighton University, his viability was suspect because of the Mexican option and his size (5 feet 8 inches, 140 pounds).

However, Torres trained last month with the US national team in Orlando, where he was coached by Rongen, who was assisting Steve Sampson.

“I spent 10 days with him and got to know him, and I saw the tremendous progress he made with those players,” Rongen said. “From a size standpoint, some coaches had reservations, but he was at the top of my list and I would have taken him with the first pick. This kid is potentially the best player in the draft. He brings excitement and enthusiasm, he is a unique talent, a gifted player, and fun to watch.

“He can play up front in a 4-4-2. He has the ability to roam around, come from deeper positions. He gets behind defenders, he is crafty in one-on-one situations.”

Torres scored 46 goals at Creighton and led the Blue Jays to the semifinals of the 1996 NCAA tournament. Last year he was the top scorer on the U.S. team (5 goals) in the University Games in Italy.

The expansion Miami Fusion used the No. 1 choice for Leo Cullen, a defender from Maryland. The collegiate and supplemental drafts will conclude today in Fort Lauderdale.

TODAY IN NE SOCCER HISTORY