By Doug Bonjour
As the clock hit zero for the Hofstra men’s soccer team in a 5-1 defeat to Wake Forest in last season’s NCAA Tournament game, the loss marked the end of a collegiate career for Forward Michael Todd and Defenseman Gary Flood. Both integral parts of the winningest class in Hofstra men’s soccer history, Todd and Flood walked off the field in frustration.
“I was just disappointed that I wasn’t going to be able to play again,” said Todd.
Similar feelings raced through Flood’s head as he left the field for the final time in a Hofstra uniform.
“I was just thinking this is it. It kind of hit me out of nowhere and it was a little disappointing and weird to know that the year was over,” said Flood.
With dreams of leading Hofstra deeper into the NCAA tournament gone, both Todd and Flood soon found themselves searching for a new place to demonstrate their immense talent. Luckily for both, the search did not last long.
On Jan. 18, both Todd and Flood were selected in the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft, as Todd was chosen 16th overall by the Kansas City Wizards and Flood 25th overall by the New England Revolution. Although Todd’s name was called before Flood’s on draft day, Flood was the first to sign a professional contract, inking a deal with the Revolution on March 7.
Signing the contract was not only a thrilling experience for Flood, but he felt that a weight had been lifted because it signified he had made the team.
“Signing the contract was awesome. However, it was at that point more of a big relief thing while I was in training camp. I didn’t have to worry about the whole trying out thing,” he said.
While Flood was able to acquaint himself with the team who drafted him, Todd’s road to a professional contract was more strenuous. Along with being drafted by the Wizards, Todd was also drafted by the Virginia Beach Mariners of the United Soccer Leagues First Division. On March 1 Todd signed a contract with the Mariners, but it was voided after the team had an ownership dispute. His search for a team finally ended when he signed a deal with the Charleston Battery of the USLD on April 5.
Much like Flood, receiving a professional contract for the first time was an exciting experience for Todd and it also allowed him to relax.
“I was pleased and to be honest, I felt more relieved when I first signed it than anything else. Trying to get signed and to be able to concentrate on just playing soccer again gave me relief,” Todd said.
After both players successfully signed a contract, the opportunity to play presented itself early. The debut for each player came in his team’s season opener, as Todd played the final 21 minutes of his team’s nil-nil draw with the Minnesota Thunder on April 20, while Flood started in his MLS debut on April 7, playing 80 minutes in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.
The experience of playing professional soccer is something both players did not expect to happen when they first attended Hofstra four years ago, but they began to believe it was possible after playing a few years with the Pride.
“I wanted to be where I am today. I thought I was good enough, but I didn’t know what would happen. I looked at it as a surprise I was playing in the MLS, but once I started playing college, I started realizing,” said Flood.
Todd also began to realize his chances while playing at Hofstra.
“Four years ago I probably wouldn’t have thought I would be where I am now, but the coaches at Hofstra helped me realize my dreams,” he said.
With dreams fulfilled, each player had to become accustomed to the new level of play and luckily for each, the experience has met his expectations.
“The experience before the season began was what I expected. It was actually a lot of fun. Off the field, everyone is pretty cool, and they’re all just normal guys. Playing wise, it’s what I expected it to be,” said Flood.
Todd had a similar view, saying, “It’s pretty much what I expected. It’s a bit quicker, but I knew it was going to be quicker. It’s a really big step.”
While Flood has to compete against an even greater level of talent than he did while in college, learning to play with the professionals is not the only adjustment he has needed to make.
“In the beginning, my adjustment was hard because I was used to starting every game. You’ve got to bring it every practice and it gets easier. Off the field, it is a big adjustment too because you are on your own and you’re in the public eye,” said Flood.
For Todd, the biggest change has been away from the in-game action.
“The biggest adjustment to me is off the field. Moving again, making new friends and getting a new apartment. Being in the real world after college I say is the biggest adjustment,” he said.
Todd and Flood are not the only ones having to make adjustments, as their old team is now forced to play without its former star players. Head Coach Richard Nuttall knows how important both players were. “Anyone can tell you those were two special players and we did rely on them a lot,” said Nuttall.
However, Nuttall knows the loss brings new responsibilities for players.
“What we have to do is become better as a team. Now [Todd and Flood] aren’t there so there’s the realization that the players have to step up.”
