Wheaton Athletics recently received great news, as the department learned that Luke Finkelstein ’15 will join the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL) this summer as a member of the Real Boston Rams.
Finkelstein, who plays the midfielder position for the Lyons, had an incredible second season at Wheaton and is now being recognized for his efforts. In 19 starts, Finkelstein scored a very impressive 12 points, and finished second in the NEWMAC with eight assists. Finkelstein spoke of the role he’ll serve with the Rams.
“I expect to be playing with a very high level of players and to be with a great coaching staff as well as an organization as a whole,” he said.
The Rams were founded in 2012 and are set to compete in the PDL for the very first time this season, with a primary goal of inspiring youth soccer throughout New England. Finkelstein remarked on how this experience will further his development.
“It is a great way to stay ready and get prepared for my upcoming Junior season for Wheaton. I will come in fit and sharp and hopefully I will be able to carry over what I took away from my experience with the Rams to my college team here.”
The men’s soccer team compiled a 9-7-4 record, including an impressive 8-2-1 mark at home this past season. They fell to MIT in the quarterfinals of the NEWMAC tournament.
Finkelstein attended an open tryout for the Rams, and performed well enough to be asked back to a more selective audition at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.
“About half-way through the tryout, [the coaches] made cuts, and had the rest of the players scrimmage after the cuts. I played well and at the end of the tryout, they offered me a spot on the team,” Finkelstein said. “I signed with the Rams that day along with four other players.”
Finkelstein also spoke about his favorite player Leon Britton, who plays for Swansea City, of the English Premier League. Britton is Luke’s inspiration as a player.
“I fell in love with [Britton] as a player after the first game I watched. He stands out as he is only 5’ 5’’ and about 150 pounds.” Finkelstein believes that the way Britton plays is admirable, and it is something he tries to emulate in his own game.
“He plays similarly to how I like to play and I look up to and respect him for how he plays with how small he is, as I am not a big person myself,” said Finkelstein.
The Rams are excited to have Finkelstein provide his services to the team this summer, and the Lyons will look on with pride. Wheaton will be sure to keep an eye on Finkelstein as he makes a name for himself in the soccer scene. He will make his debut for the Rams in a game against CFC Azul on May 11.