MLS Draft: Interview with Virginia Tech’s Ben Lundgaard

The MLS Combine kicks off today, with the MLS Draft set to follow in just a few days time. Manning the nets for one of the four Combine squads is standout prospect goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard.

MLS Multiplex sat down with Virginia Tech’s goalkeeper for the last four seasons, Ben Lundgaard, while at the Combine in Orlando, FL. We discussed his path to Virginia Tech, time playing in college and for the New York Red Bulls U23 team, as well as his thoughts on the upcoming MLS Draft.

MLSM: You’re currently at the 2018 MLS Combine ahead of the Draft on January 19th. What have been your first impressions of the event and Orlando City Stadium?

BL: Everything is unbelievable. The entire event is very professional.  We haven’t played games yet but it’s fun getting to catch up with old teammates/opponents. You can tell that everyone is anxious to get playing.

MLSM: Obviously at 6’5” people will assume you’re in the nets, but was that always the case, or growing up did you play other positions?

BL: Haha, well most people do assume that I’m a keeper, but I haven’t always been in there. When I was younger, and I’m talking about being quite young, I was a center back.  Back in the days when everyone played GK.

Path to and time at Virginia Tech

MLSM: Coming out of Delaware and as a three-time state champion, how did you end up selecting Virginia Tech during the recruiting process?

BL: I did a few visits up and down the East coast to various schools and Virginia Tech was by far my favorite. They first saw me at the Disney Showcase in Orlando and reached out to me when the tournament was finished and the rest is history.  There are a few reasons that made me choose VT though.  The campus was amazing, I had the best chance of starting as a freshman, and I would be playing in the ACC.  I couldn’t find a reason to not go there.

MLSM: 2017 was likely the best year for the program since the days of Patrick Nyarko, what stood out to you about this group of players?

BL: We had a lot of talent on that team and yes, talent will win you games, but nothing will get you through the ups and downs like family will.  That group of guys wanted to play for each other like I’ve never seen on any other team. Everyone on the team, not just guys playing at the time, would support and encourage each other endlessly.  To give you an example, when we played South Florida, I gave up a terrible goal.  South Florida was ranked #23 at the time and we were down 1-0 in the 3^rd minute. The team rallied around me and we ended up winning 4-1 and going 3-0 for the first time since 2007.  We had a different kind of mentality that year.  It was so much fun to be a part of and something I’ll remember forever.

MLS Draft & Playing for Red Bulls U23

MLSM: Some of the mock drafts have you as the top goalkeeper in the draft class. Do you allow yourself to look at projections and MLS Draft previews, or do you prefer to avoid all of that during this window?

BL: I allow myself to look at that kind of stuff, yes. As I am sure you have seen, there a few different versions of mock drafts made by several different people, and all of them have different people going to different teams.  I don’t think too much into it because one player going earlier or later than expected could throw everything off.  I’m very humbled to be the first GK getting drafted in a few of them but I know I still have more to prove and more work to do.

MLSM: You played with the New York Red Bulls U23 side in 2017, how did that impact going into your senior season at Virginia Tech? And will there be any hopes on draft day of a return to the Red Bulls organization?

BL: I had a great summer with the Red Bulls. I was fortunate enough to get to train with the first team a few times and it was great working with Preston Burpo.  I got a little taste of what the professional life is like and I was pushed to be better and better in my playing.  The summer helped give me a glimpse of what I hope to be doing in a month from now.

MLSM: Marcelo Acuna joins you at the MLS Combine from Virginia Tech, that must be great to share that experience with a familiar face.

BL: It really is. He was one of my roommates at VT and has become one of my best friends. It’s awesome being able to share this experience with him. I can’t wait to see where his future takes him.

Next: BREAKING: Landon Donovan signs with Club Leon of Liga MX

MLSM: Ben best of luck at the Combine. We will be watching for your name in just a few days at the MLS Draft.

BL: Thanks. Go Hokies!