American Soccer News spoke with recent Revolution acquisition Chase Hilgenbrinck, 26, after practice Friday about his circuitous journey to New England. Originally from Illinois, Hilgenbrinck went unselected in the 2004 MLS Superdraft, but grabbed an opportunity to play in Chile for four years. After a disappointing preseason with the Colorado Rapids this spring, he connected with the Revolution and in a little over a week found himself shoring up the defense against the Chicago Fire.

ASN: Chase, you had a quick transition here.

CH: Yes, I was lucky enough that the coaching staff here took a chance on me and gave me a shot to show what I have. I’m just happy to be on a good team here, obviously. I’ve only been here two weeks and I’ve had a couple of appearances, but I just want to help out the team as best as possible, and I think by doing that, I’ll find my way onto the field.

How did you get down to Chile?

I was playing at Clemson University and I had a good friend, a Chilean, Claudio Aureas. He was coaching at Southern Wesleyan in South Carolina and he saw me play several games and thought I had the ability to go to South America. So he opened the door to a first division club . . . There I went on trial for five months and made the team.

Did you speak Spanish before you were there?

I studied at school, it was part of my major. But it’s different studying it than being able to write it and understand it and actually speak it, so yeah, it took me a while to get used to the language.

You were in the first division, then second, then back to first again, right?

Yup, I started in the first division and went on loan to the second division team, then got signed by a bigger second division team who won the championship and went back to first division, and that’s where I spent last year.

Always a defender? Or did you play any other positions?

Usually as a defender. Because of injuries and different circumstances, I played left side on the midfield and did well, so I’d find myself staying there for a long time. That’s why the coach sees me here as more of a left wing sided player. On the defense, but always when we play four in the back.”

You played preseason for Colorado this spring, is that right?

Yes, I came back to the States, and Colorado offered me a great deal and a chance to play right away, which is what I was looking for. Being on the field is the most important to me. But in the end, they traded for another player that they wanted and I was the odd man out. Unfortunately MLS contracts work that way, that they can get rid of you whenever they want, but I’m a firm believer that God puts us exactly where we’re supposed to be, and I think it’s his will that I’m here today and in really a better situation than I was in Colorado.

How did you get to the Colorado Rapids from Chile?

Well, I have a good agent that got my name out. He works in the U.S. and he’s well connected with all the clubs. So he put the word out and there were several teams that were interested right away, thankfully, that were willing to give me a shot. In the end, I actually chose Colorado out of three different teams that I thought would be the best situation for me.

So, how did you get to New England?

After I was dumped by Colorado, I went home and spent a few weeks waiting for the waiver draft, which because of my contract at the time, I was pretty high so there were teams that didn’t have me in their salary cap to pick me up at the time. So I had to wait until I was actually waived by Colorado and then was able to negotiate with any team that I wanted. At that time, New England called me and said they needed a left-sided player and they’d like to take a look at me. So, I just spent a very few days here on trial. I didn’t come signed here. I spent a few days on trial before they actually decided to go with me.

You were listed as a sub in the season opener right after you got here.

Yes, I signed two days before the game and they put me on the bench right away. As coach explained to me, they needed a lot of cover on the left side. Jay Heaps, a natural right back is playing left and I think that was one of their concerns – that at any time they’re going to need another left-sided player.

So how does it feel to be on the field so quickly?

Awesome, awesome! I appreciate the coaching staff putting their confidence in me. I’ve always had confidence in myself, and given the chance I’ll be able to show myself and show I can even be part of the starting line-up. I really feel that way. It’s great to be back in the States. I got the chance the past two weekends to play in front of my family in the Midwest [Chicago and Kansas City games]. That’s been the best part about it really. It’s being back, and sharing my career and experience with my parents and my brother and his wife.

How is Steve Nicol different from the other coaches you’ve had?

He’s definitely a hard-nosed coach, which I like. He’s straight to the point. He tells you exactly what you need to know, which is kind of hard to find. A lot of coaches will keep you motivated by giving you a little bit of false hope. Coach tells you exactly what he wants out of you. He’s short and to the point, not much talk, he just wants to see action, and I appreciate that in a coach. I appreciate his honesty and his hunger to win.