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Aces In The Pros
7/28/2008
ACES IN THE PROS
The University of Evansville has a tremendous reputation for developing professional soccer players, both here in the United States and abroad.
DAVID WEIR is the most decorated professional in Aces soccer history. After a successful career for Everton FC in the English Premier League, he was transferred to Glasgow Rangers FC in his native Scotland. The Scottish Premier League club had a magical 2007-08 season as they pursued a potential ‘quadruple’ – competing for the Scottish Premier League title, Scottish FA Cup and Scottish League Cup domestically; competing in the UEFA Champions League and eventually in the UEFA Cup, where they were finalists.
TROY PERKINS is regarded as one of the top American goalkeepers in professional soccer today, and that was highlighted by being named 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. He played for the MLS All-Star team, and in a one week span competed against world powers Chelsea FC of the English Premier League and against Real Madrid of Spain with his DC United team. Following the 2007 season, Troy signed a contract with Vaaleranga of the Norwegian Premier League.
DIEGO GUTIERREZ has had an MLS career that few can match. He is an original member of the league, when he played for the Kansas City Wizards. He moved on to play for the Chicago Fire in their inaugural season in 1998, and played a pivotal role in the Fire’s “double” that season – he scored in the ’98 MLS Cup to lead the Fire to the MLS Championship, and then played a key role in the US Open Cup championship. The 2007 U.S. Soccer Federation/MLS Humanitarian of the Year announced that the 2008 season would be the last of his professional playing career.
MARC BURCH has played a key role for DC United since arriving via a trade with the Columbus Crew in 2007. Burch was drafted 24th overall in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the converted attacking player has evolved into one of the steadiest left backs in the league. His ability to whip crosses into the box from the left flank has made him an important commodity for DC United.
CORY ELENIO capped off an outstanding senior season at the University of Evansville in 2007 by being selected by the Columbus Crew with the 20th overall pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. Known for his blinding pace with the ball and his ability to strike the ball, Cory is emerging as a key contributor for the Crew. He has found himself in a regular rotation as a wide midfielder, along with US Olympic team members Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven.
A number of former players have had successful playing careers at different levels in the United States and abroad-
• Paul Nevin spent time in both the English Football League and GM Vauxhall Conference before embarking on a coaching career that included stints with both the Fulham FC in the English Premier League and as the manager of the New Zealand Knights of the Australian A-League.
• Scott Cannon had successful stints with both the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Columbus Crew (MLS).
• Chuck Browder was rostered with the Columbus Crew (MLS)
• Brian Loftin appeared for the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS)
• Frank D’Amelio played in the North American Soccer League (NASL)
• Rob Paterson, Trey Harrington, Mike Mikes, Scott Westbrook and Scott Cannon played in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL)
• CW Raines, Brian Loftin, Scott Cannon, Chuck Browder, Ian Eggleston, Scott Ikeda, Tony Jones, Mike LaBerge, Jose Londono, Graham Merryweather, Dustin Ottesen, Marshall Ray, Nick Potter, Shane Schmidt, Adam Schultz, Marty Schroering, Toby Walton, Ryan Youngblood and Shane Barrett had played in the USL; Raines helped lead the Minnesota Thunder to the A-League Championship.
• AJ Lachowecki, Rob Paterson, Casey Stevens and Shawn Beyer had played in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL); Former Aces standout Brian Loftin had served as the General Manager of the Chicago Storm.
• AJ Lachowecki, Brian Loftin, Jon Halliwill, Trey Harrington, Scott Cannon, Dan O’Donnell, John Prow, Shane Schmidt, Adam Schultz and Tim Ernst spent some time playing in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL)
• John Prow and Matthew Blackbourne played in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL)
• Bob Wasserman played in the American Soccer League (ASL)
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