USL Aces Interview: Featuring Florian Valot
If you're reading this I hope you enjoyed or can go check out our previous interview with Ian Svantesson of the Tulsa Roughnecks. Another player who was kind enough to give us a sneak peek into his life is Mr. Florian Valot of the New York Red Bulls II. Florian is a young player from Europe who is performing at a high level for NYRBII and looking to make it into the first team. Again, thank you to Florian and I hope you enjoy his responses:
USL Aces: In your youth career you spent time with PSG and AS Monaco. What made you decide to come to the U.S. and attend Rider University?
FV: I was in a process where I wanted to keep playing but at the same time I was willing to get another degree. When the idea of studying and playing in the US was brought to me I was really excited. I did some tryouts in France organized by "fffusa" which most of the college coachs attended. This was a long process but after being denied by other school because of my transcript I made the decision to go to Rider University because of their business major, it's soccer project and its location.
USL Aces: At Rider University you played 34 games scoring 13 goals and 6 assists. How was your time there and how did it help your development?
FV: I had a great experience during my two years. We built a team competitive enough to put rider back in the top team in the MAAC conference, winning one championship my senior year. College soccer is really physical, less technical and really short. You have to be prepared and consistent over 3 months. I really enjoyed playing those two years. I think I made the most of it and i can't thank my coach and my teammates enough because without this team I wouldn't be where I am today.
USL Aces: In 2016 you made the NYRB II squad. You won USL Cup with the team and played alongside players such as Brandon Allen and Aaron Long. How was your 2016 experience winning the USL Cup?
FV: It was really special. I integrated the team Mid season, having been practicing with them since pre-season because I was finishing my degree. They were top of the table with talented players like you said, players that are now with the first team. It was going to be hard to play in that group despite the fact that they integrated me really well and fast in the squad. The rest is just history. Winning the USL Cup, regular season, eastern conference with all those records. It was one the best moment in my soccer career.
I think the major factors of our success were leadership and cohesiveness. Of course I can site players that have made an important impact on the team (such as Aaron long defender of the year, Brandon Allen rookie of he year, Ryan Meara our captain, Tyler Adams, Derrick Etienne, Junior Flemmings... and I'm passing others) but the main factor was the team itself with its 16+ players. We knew what we had to do and we knew how to do it.
USL Aces: Where do you see your future with the NYRB organization going? Do you want to break through with the first team or try heading back to Europe?
FV: I want to win another championship with the USL this year. I know this won't be easy but I think we can make it. And we will go from there. I know I can break through the first team but I feel like it will be complicated this year, despite the fact that I see and want my future to be here, within the Red Bull organization. I just need a chance to step on the field with first team players to show that I can contribute and be an asset for that team. Of course The international rule doesn't help also but it is how it is. However I don't close the door on a return to Europe but not now.
Thank you to Florian once again and you have everyone here at USL Aces behind you in your career!
