Professional Journey Blooms in Toronto for Eckenrode

August 16, 2017 / B. Saeed

Lars Eckenrode grew up in Springfield, Virginia in a soccer oriented family. He would spend weekends playing pickup games with his two brothers, Jannik and Kai. Like Lars, both brothers excelled at the sport. Jannik, who played his collegiate career at George Mason University, plays professionally overseas. Kai, the oldest, was a standout player while at Stetson University setting the standard as a role model for his younger brothers. From an early age Lars had one goal, to play professional soccer.

This dream looked as if it was coming to fruition at a young age. As a youth player, Eckenrode shined and quickly gained recognition of local clubs. During his junior and senior year of high school, Eckenrode played for D.C. United’s youth squad. This opportunity put him on a national stage where he garnered interest from collegiate teams across the nation.

Eckenrode decided to attend the University of Michigan. He was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie team in 2013 and College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten team the following year. Entering his senior season, he earned the role of team captain for the 2016 season. In addition to playing for the University of Michigan during 2015 and 2016, Lars joined forces with a semi professional club in his University’s hometown, AFC Ann Arbor. Eckenrode accumulated 3 goals and 2 assists during his time in the NPSL.

Draft night, a time when most prospects sit nervously fidgeting with their phone waiting for the big call, in contrast was a seemingly normal night for Lars Eckenrode. Instead of worrying about where and when he would be selected, Lars hit the practice field to train with his brother. After a great session, Eckenrode found multiple missed calls and text messages on his phone. While filing through, he realized his childhood dream had come true. On January 19th of 2016, Toronto FC selected Lars Eckenrode in the 4th round of the MLS Superdraft. That moment was a true testament to Lars’ character and determination.

So what’s next for Eckenrode? He has his sights set on big things in the future. Currently on Toronto’s “second team”, Toronto FC II in the USL, Lars is determined to break into the top division of soccer in America (MLS). With the skill set and determination Lars has displayed throughout his soccer playing career, he has a good chance to reach his goals in the very near future.

“The Midwest Pro Soccer Combine helped me prepare for the pros by putting me with and up against some of the best players in the country, there’s no other better way to prepare!”

Although Eckenrode’s playing future is bright, his professional career hit a road bump at the beginning of his professional campaign. Just after being signed with TFCII, Eckenrode suffered an injury in training. When asked about how he is handling the injury he responded, “I've used this injury as a way to help grow off the field. I've learned more about myself, I've added new things to my daily schedule that have transitioned smoothly into my days now that I am back training. I used the injury to my advantage to learn new things about how I can be a better athlete - and I am coming back stronger than ever because of it.” TFCII have taken note of this poised attitude helping him get back on the training pitch of late with his regained health.

To truly gain appreciation for what a special young man Lars Eckenrode is you must ask him about life after soccer. “In 5 years I plan on wrapping up my professional career and I will be training and getting ready for Officer Candidate School in the United States Marine Corps. Pro soccer has been my dream since I was little but I know I am meant for something more and I have an extremely strong desire to serve in the military,” Eckenrode stated.

It takes a truly selfless and courageous individual to turn in a life on the pitch for a life on the battlefield. Whether it is playing soccer or serving our country in the United States Military, Lars Eckenrode has all the tools to excel.

About the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

The second annual Midwest Pro Soccer Combine will take place on Monday, December 18th & Tuesday, December 19th at the Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, Michigan. The combine will accept the top professional prospects to play for two days in front of professional coaches, scouts and intermediaries from North America and abroad. Click here to apply to the 2017 combine.

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Relentless Rookie: David Goldsmith's Professional Career Is Just Beginning

August 10, 2017 / B. Saeed

“I would strongly encourage aspiring footballers to attend this combine and to showcase yourself in front of as many coaching staff and scouts as possible. It only takes 1 game to catch the eye of a team so the more opportunities you give yourself the more likely you are to succeed.”

— David Goldsmith

Growing up in Bristol, England, David Goldsmith was a standout youth player having spent 5 years at the West Bromwich Albion English Premier League Academy. He found his way to Butler University in 2013 where he wasted no time making a name for himself.

It began his rookie campaign with the Bulldogs where he earned BIG EAST Rookie of the Year and ended his senior year with a pile of awards including Big East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, NSCAA Second Team All-American, NSCAA First Team All-Region, BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Year and BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Offensive Player.

Accolades aside, Goldsmith was always focused on becoming a professional footballer and understood the work it took to become one. That dream became a reality when Indy Eleven announced the signing of David Goldsmith on March 21, 2017. Having played 4 years at Butler, Goldsmith was more than familiar with the local Indy Eleven club and thrilled about beginning his professional career.

“I have wanted to become a professional football player for as long as I can remember. It is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for myself and my family. However, I am always looking forward to the next task and opportunity and am never satisfied. I always want to improve, better myself and win championships.” said Goldsmith.

Like any rookie, Goldsmith found himself fighting for time early in the season stepping on the pitch for a total of only two minutes in his first six NASL matches. As the 2017 season has progressed though, Goldsmith’s mentality and hardworking approach has allowed him to break into the starting lineup. July 30th, he earned his first start and made it a memorable night by notching his first professional goal as well.

David Goldsmith scores in his first #NASL start to put @IndyEleven ahead. 0-1 #FCEvIND pic.twitter.com/gh3vOkCx4G
— NASL (@naslofficial) July 30, 2017

The path to pros varies for every footballer but all who advance have a mindset of continuous improvement, diligent hard work and dedication to being the best teammate possible. Goldsmith holds these qualities in addition to his natural skillset, but as many before him have advised, he urges all future footballers to take action, be proactive and train, train, train.

He added, “I would strongly encourage aspiring footballers to attend this combine and to showcase yourself in front of as many coaching staff and scouts as possible. It only takes 1 game to catch the eye of a team so the more opportunities you give yourself the more likely you are to succeed.”

Read the complete interview with David below:

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MPSC: Every footballer has a journey and a story to tell about their journey. Now that you've reached a milestone in your career by signing a pro contract, what would you like to share with aspiring players to help learn from your mistakes and obstacles?

Goldsmith: Every player’s path in football is going to be different but everyone at some point is going to face some adversity. You are going to face setbacks in your career but it is important to remain level headed, confident and never give up. When you face adversity, you need to be mentally strong, put it behind you and look forward for the next opportunity to prove your worth. Work hard and good things will happen for you. Never give up.

MPSC: Now that you've had time to get acclimated a bit, tell us more about your current setup. What is your typical training day like? What has been the biggest surprise about being a pro? What has been your best football moment for your new club so far?

Goldsmith: We train 4-5 mornings a week with a game on the weekend. Our sessions are from 10-12am with some tactics meetings and video analysis beforehand. On Wednesdays we go to a local gym, IFAST, to build and maintain muscle strength. The club is run similar to other environments I've played in the past such as at college and back in England but the quality, pace and physicality is a little bit higher and quicker. My proudest moment so far would be making my professional debut against Miami that my parents were able to be there to watch.

MPSC: What do you hope to accomplish with your current team and what are your goals as a footballer down the road?

Goldsmith: This season we are aiming to win the NASL championship. That is always the goal at the start of every season. Personally I hope to learn from the experiences I will have in my rookie season and improve as a player. In the future I hope to develop a long and successfully career in the game.

MPSC: How did the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine better prepare you for the pros?

Goldsmith: It helped as a great stepping stone to training and playing in a professional environment. I got to play with and against some of the best players in the country showing me the level required to play as a professional.

MPSC: What was the highlight of the 2016 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for you? Would you recommend aspiring footballers to participate?

Goldsmith: I would strongly encourage aspiring footballers to attend this combine and to showcase yourself in front of as many coaching staff and scouts as possible. It only takes 1 game to catch the eye of a team so the more opportunities you give yourself the more likely you are to succeed.

MPSC: Think back to the first moment when you realized, you dreamed of being a pro footballer. Now that you've accomplished that dream, what does it feel like?

Goldsmith: I have wanted to become a professional football player for as long as I can remember. It is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for myself and my family. However, I am always looking forward to the next task and opportunity and am never satisfied. I always want to improve, better myself and win championships.

MPSC: Do you have any mentors, supporters, family or friends who you'd like to thank?

Goldsmith: Of course my family. They have done so much for me over the years and have sacrificed a lot to help me follow my dreams and have always been my biggest supporters. I have had many fantastic coaches and team mates on and off the field that have always pushed me to better myself. My college coaching staff at Butler lead by Paul Snape have been fantastic mentors and coaches for me the past 4 years and have helped my dreams become a reality so a special thank you to the 3 of them. Also thank you to Indy Eleven for believing in me and giving me this opportunity!

MPSC: What was it like for you to return to Ultimate Soccer Arenas AS A PRO? It's a building you spent time in with the Bucks and at the Combine so that must have been special.

Goldsmith: I have spent a lot of time over the past 3 years at Ultimate so of course it was a great occasion to return and see some of my teammates and coaches who have done so much for me. After 3 years at the Bucks and then the combine, the return in some ways brought my journey in a full circle as this time I was there playing as a professional which is what I had been training and competing to become for the last 3 years.

About the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

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Path To Professional Ranks Paved By Hard Work For de Vries

May 31, 2017 / B. Saeed

“The highlight of the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for me was getting a chance to compete against some of the top level players in college soccer. ”

— Francis de Vries

At the age of 18, Francis de Vries left his home in Christchurch, New Zealand to pursue playing football in the United States. Just over 8,800 miles apart, de Vries left home to see out opportunities in America.

Like many aspiring footballers, he began down a path of many unknowns. But one thing was clear, he had opportunities in the United States, beginning with pursuing a degree in Psychology while playing college soccer at Saint Francis in Loretto, PA.

Racking up 36 career points in addition to earning conference Defender of the Year honors his junior season, de Vries had a very successful collegiate career which lead to his next opportunity with one of the most successful amateur teams in modern history, PDL side, Michigan Bucks.

Between 2014 and 2016, de Vries appeared in 32 matches for the Michigan Bucks and played a key role in both the 2014 and 2016 PDL Cup Championships for the club.

After the 2016 campaign with the Bucks ended, de Vries garnered serious interest from professional clubs, opening a path for him to take the next step in his career. As interest grew, he found himself preparing for what seemed to be a promising 2017 MLS Superdraft.

One of those preparatory stops included his participation at the inaugural Midwest Pro Soccer Combine in December of 2016. Just like many of the potential players looking to hear their names called at the Superdraft, Francis didn’t want to leave anything to chance. This meant training every chance he could, and showcasing his talents for as many MLS scouts as possible.

“The highlight of the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for me was getting a chance to compete against some of the top level players in college soccer. Many players are not afforded this opportunity consistently during their time in college and getting the chance to measure yourself against, and learn from, some of the best in college soccer was a very valuable experience,” said de Vries.

With the combine’s proximity to the MLS Superdraft (less than a month apart), it not only afforded selected players to physically prep themselves for the next level, but also a chance to improve their stock or make naysayers believers in their ability.

He added, “It is another chance, and a great chance at that, with how many scouts and coaches of professional clubs show up, to showcase your footballing abilities. Of course, nothing is guaranteed out of these combines, but by showing up and giving it your best effort with a positive attitude, you give yourself the best chance you have of making the jump to the professional level.”

It was far more than just one combine that prepared him for the moment to hear his name called on draft day, but participating in the MPSC was symbolic of his approach to never miss a chance to train, or improve himself- both on, and off the pitch.

For a young footballer, de Vries brings a level of maturity with him that many young players lack. For some, this truly can be the missing ingredient in pushing on to the next level. The 22-year old already has a set of rules he follows that seem to be those of a seasoned veteran. He said it best, adding, “Try to remove your ego from the situation as much as possible. Work hard on developing strengths and harder on making your weaknesses into strengths.”

With the 7th pick in the 2nd round, Francis de Vries heard his name called as he was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps. But as many true professionals understand, his journey was far from over.

“It’s an interesting feeling, accomplishing my goal of becoming a professional footballer. There’s a lot of emotions within it; satisfaction that a lot of your hard work paid off, gratitude to all of those that helped you along the way, pride that some of your loved ones can watch you play professionally now and that you persevered through the hard times, restlessness about the constant pressure you put upon yourself to get better and about making the jump to the next level of professional football. It’s a very joyous feeling but also conflicting because you don’t want to be content with where you are now, you want to keep getting better and maybe get an opportunity to play at an even higher level as a professional footballer,” said de Vries.

Now playing for Vancouver’s USL side, Whitecaps FC 2, de Vries has his sights set on making the Whitecaps MLS roster. Although we will have to wait and see if he’s successful in that next step, one thing is certain, he won’t stop working until he reaches his goal.

Read the complete interview with Frances below:

Francis: Here are the most important lessons I have learned in football so far from my mistakes and obstacles:

Always have a growth mindset (learning and improvement are the most important things)
Listen to your coaches, mentors and close friends/family
Try to remove your ego from the situation as much as possible
Work hard on developing strengths and harder on making your weaknesses into strengths (most people do not want to train on their weaknesses, make it a point too)
The mental side of the game is the most important (take time to visualize, write down your goals, plan how you are going to improve)
Always be there for your teammates to support them
Find meaning outside of football in things such as friends, giving back, studying or nature

Francis: A typical training day here starts at 9am when we all report to the club’s training facility. We all eat a quick breakfast together and then players who need treatment go into the physio’s room for that and some other players go through prehab work. Training starts at 10am so we usually head out around 10-15 mins early and start a couple of 5v2s before our warm up. Training usually goes from 10 – 11:30 or 12. Post training some guys get treatment again and we eat lunch together. Sometimes we have a gym session in the afternoon, otherwise you are done for the day around 12:30, 1pm.

The biggest surprise for me as a pro has been how much you must concentrate on your fundamentals. I knew I would have to learn and adapt to play at this new level but I never thought so much of that would be focused on fundamentals such as footwork, body shape, communication and playing passes to the correct foot of the receiving player.

It is hard to isolate a best moment for me at the club so far. I’d say there have been several, and they all include being able to learn from more experienced pros, guys that I have looked up too for a while and am now getting a chance to learn firsthand from.

MPSC: What do you hope to accomplish with your current team and what are your goals as a footballer down the road?

Francis: With my current team, I hope to have a successful season, culminating in us making the USL playoffs in the Western Conference. Along the way, I’d like to make some great, lasting relationships and continue to improve on all aspects of my game.

Down the road some of my goals include; to make it onto Vancouver’s MLS roster, use my experiences within the game of soccer to grow as a person and give back to the communities around which I am playing soccer.

MPSC: How did the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine better prepare you for the pros?

Francis: The Midwest Pro better prepared me for the pros in several ways. Firstly, the combine was very tough physically which builds mental toughness (concentrating through fatigue etc.). So far, I’ve noticed in the pros, you might get your chance (like starting your first game or getting an opportunity to train with the MLS team) when you are not in your top condition. You might be fatigued from a tough week of training or had a hard run of games and then the call comes. You need to have the mental tools to deal with this, something that you can begin learning at the Midwest Pro. Secondly, the Midwest Pro brought in a couple of pros who spoke about their experiences entering and participating in professional soccer. This was extremely helpful as hearing these accounts firsthand is something that you rarely get to experience. If you want to optimally prepare yourself to go into a pro environment, having some knowledge on what it is actually like from current pros is very helpful.

MPSC: What was the highlight of the 2016 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for you? Would you recommend aspiring footballers to participate?

Francis: The highlight of the Midwest Pro for me was getting a chance to compete against some of the top level players in college soccer. Many players are not afforded this opportunity consistently during their time in college and getting the chance to measure yourself against, and learn from, some of the best in college soccer was a very valuable experience.

I would recommend aspiring footballers to participate. It is another chance, and a great chance at that with how many scouts and coaches of professional clubs show up, to showcase your footballing abilities. Of course, nothing is guaranteed out of these combines, but by showing up and giving it your best effort with a positive attitude, you give yourself the best chance you have of making the jump to the professional level.

MPSC: Think back to the first moment when you realized, you dreamed of being a pro footballer. Now that you've accomplished that dream, what does it feel like?

Francis: It’s an interesting feeling, accomplishing my goal of becoming a professional footballer. There’s a lot of emotions within it; satisfaction that a lot of your hard work paid off, gratitude to all of those that helped you along the way, pride that some of your loved ones can watch you play professionally now and that you persevered through the hard times, restlessness about the constant pressure you put upon yourself to get better and about making the jump to the next level of professional football. It’s a very joyous feeling but also conflicting because you don’t want to be content with where you are now, you want to keep getting better and maybe get an opportunity to play at an even higher level as a professional footballer.

MPSC: Do you have any mentors, supporters, family or friends who you'd like to thank?

Francis: Sure, I’ve got a few and will list them below:

My parents, Evelyne Baumgartner and Bram de Vries – I owe it all to you really, you know why.
My brother, Marcel de Vries – for constantly inspiring me to become a better human being.
Fred Simpson – for being the first soccer coach to believe in me and giving me some outstanding training and advice in my younger days
Rob Sherman, Giovani Fernandes and Andy Smith – for giving me my chance at APFA, without that I doubt I would be in the position I am now.
Michael Casper – for taking me under his wing at Saint Francis University and developing me into the player and human being I am today.
All of the professors and admin staff at Saint Francis University – for helping me find meaning outside the football pitch in fields of knowledge I did not know existed before I came to SFU.
Demir Muftari, Gary Parsons and Dan Duggan – for giving me three summers of unbelievable improvement, on and off the pitch with the Michigan Bucks.

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