Donovan Parisian Excited To Be Drafted By Revolution

Parisian: “I’m very excited, very blessed, and fortunate to be able to come into such a historically great goalkeeping scenario and history.”

Donovan Parisian wasn’t necessarily expecting to be drafted by the New England Revolution, but the destination makes a lot of sense for the 20-year-old goalkeeper who admires Matt Turner.

Parisian only recently learned that MLS coaches were monitoring him at the University of San Diego. The sophomore was pulled aside by head coach Brian Quinn, who informed him that he could be invited to the MLS Combine.

“That definitely excited me,” Parisian said.

Parisian had three interviews at the combine, speaking to Inter Miami CF, the LA Galaxy, and Real Salt Lake. He later had phone calls with FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew.

Ultimately it was the Revolution who selected Parisian with the 18th overall pick. Sporting director Curt Onalfo said afterward that the Revs were “very interested” in Parisian.

“To be honest, I did not know that New England Revolution sought after me,” Parisian said. “It was a surprise for me because they didn’t interview me during the combine process. It came as a very pleasant surprise, a very fortunate surprise.”

Part of the reason Parisian is so excited to head to Foxboro is because of Turner.

Turner, who became the U.S. Men’s National Team starter, spent seven seasons in New England before transferring to Arsenal. He then spent one season at Nottingham Forest before being loaned to Crystal Palace.

“One of my inspirations for goalkeeping was Matt Turner, actually, because he played in college, and if I remember he was never on a U.S. Youth National Team,” Parisian said. “Now he’s the [USMNT] starter, playing in the Premier League, and he became a MLS starter as well. That was a big inspiration for me.

“To follow in his footsteps and go to the same club means a lot. It gives me a lot of hope for the future and drive to be able to become the next American goalkeeper that kind of has that imprint on the world.”

Of course, it’s still early days for Parisian, who had only spoken to a few people at the club—including technical director Remi Roy—before answering questions from the media.

In fact, Parisian hasn’t really discussed plans for next year, saying, “I’m hoping to just play my best wherever they put me.”

For now, Parisian is just excited to be drafted by the Revolution.

“It means the absolute world to me,” Parisian said. “I’m very excited, very blessed, and fortunate to be able to come into such a historically great goalkeeping scenario and history.”