Midfielder Neco Brett, selected by the Portland Timbers with the 40th overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Brett moved to the United States for the first time in 2012 when he began his collegiate soccer career at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pa. In four seasons at Robert Morris, Brett scored 42 goals and tallied 16 assists in 67 games. In 2013, Brett led all of NCAA Division I players in regular season scoring with 36 points and, the following season, led all of NCAA Division I soccer in goals scored with 15. So far this season, Brett has played over 600 minutes while on loan with USL side T2 and just enjoyed a two-goal performance—his first goals as a professional—in a 3-1 win over Real Monarchs last weekend.
What's been the biggest transition for you moving from college to the pros?
Neco Brett: “The biggest transition, I think, is it's much faster here. It's a professional environment. It's not college where you leave from classes, you go to practice some days and you're off. Here in a pro environment, you have to be at your best every single day and be working really hard.”
When you first came to America for college you didn't like the food here. Has that changed?
NB: “It has changed. At first, when I just got into college the food was totally different. It tasted different. You know, Jamaican food is really good. My freshman year was really hard for me. I hardly ate. I hardly slept. My second year, I got a chance to move off campus and that's when my game started to pick up. I was cooking my own food and everything.”
With over half a dozen Jamaican players on the Timbers and T2 rosters, what's it like having so many Reggae Boyz players in close proximity?
NB: “It feels really good, you know? I'm a first-year pro. I'm learning. I'm lucky enough to have all those guys here to help support me and lead me in the right way. Even sometimes I don't know certain stuff and they tell me before it happens. So I have my eyes open so I know how to adjust to the situation.”
What do you miss most about Jamaica?
NB: “I would say the beach and the food and family.”
What has helped you the most in your career to transition to each new place you've gone?
NB: “I think I'm a pretty good learner. I learn pretty fast. I'm comfortable in uncomfortable situations.”
