Early Signs Point to a Successful 2018 MPSC
The 2018 MPSC welcomed players, professional franchises, agents and interest from across the globe to the Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, Michigan on December 19-20. The 3rd annual event accepted 70 players, fully equipped in Capelli Sport apparel, who competed for 2 days in a showcase style combine.
Each team at the combine was coached by a respected college coach from the Midwest; Chad Wiseman (Western Michigan University), Eric Nichols (Bowling Green State University), Nick Deren (University of Detroit Mercy) and Cale Wassermann (Michigan State University).
Day one of the combine included morning fitness testing (the 5-10-5 lateral, 10m sprint, 30m sprint and vertical jump). After-which each team participated in a walk through to prepare for match play. In the afternoon the first round of matches kicked off, along with the GK session facilitated by Coach Keith Jarema. Between matches the players took part in the Pro Q&A session with current St Louis FC player Russell Cicerone. Russell provided valuable insight to the aspiring professionals and shared specifics into the day in the life of a USL Championship Player.
Day two of the combine saw the 2nd & 3rd round of matches take place in front of the 17 professional clubs that were in attendance. All levels of professional football in the US were represented: 5 MLS clubs (Chicago Fire, Portland Timbers, New York City FC, Sporting KC, LA Galaxy), 6 USL Championship Clubs (St Louis FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Portland Timbers 2, LA Galaxy 2, Swope Park Rangers, Memphis 901), 2 USL League 1 Clubs (Forward Madison FC, Lansing Ignite), 1 NPSL Pro Club (Detroit City FC) and 4 International Clubs (Panachaiki FC-Greece, HB Koge-Denmark, MSV Duisburg-Germany, FK Tirana-Albania).
The MPSC would like to thank their pillar sponsors: The Legacy Center Sports Complex, Capelli Sport, Milk Means More & Pakmode Media. Without their support the combine would not be possible.
The 4th annual MPSC will look to take place in December 2019. For now all the best to the 2018 participants as they continue to chase their professional football ambitions.