Bowling Green University netminder Scott Vallow and Marquette University goalkeeper Jim Welch have each signed 30-day trial contracts with Project-40. The 30-day stint allows U.S. Pro-40 Head Coach Lothar Osiander to evaluate the potential of these two players and their possible contributions to MLS and U.S. Soccer in the future. Following the month-long evaluation, it will be determined if either of the two players will be given a full Project-40 contract and an MLS team assignment. “This trial run for Vallow and Welch will let me see if they are able to develop to the level needed to compete in MLS and for the national teams,” Osiander said. “In a sense, Project-40 is not just a developmental program but an evaluation of a player’s progress.” MLS identified the two collegiate keepers at the 1999 Umbro Select College All-Star Classic in February in Fort Lauderdale. Vallow and Welch, former players on the U-19 Ohio Region II ODP team coached by Columbus Crew goalkeeper coach Greg Andrulis, were not picked up at the 1999 MLS College Draft. However, Vallow was the Cincinnati Riverhawks’ first-round draft pick in the 1999 A-League Draft. Project-40 players which are also members of the U.S. U-23, U-20, and U-17 national teams have lengthy commitments this calendar year and will participate in solid training and competition due to FIFA matches and Olympic qualifying games, thereby forcing MLS to look at players on a trial basis. Vallow, a two-time NSCAA Third Team All-America in 1998 and 1997, and Welch, Marquette University’s all-time career shutout leader with 28, will suit up with U.S. Pro-40 for the club’s opening weekend against the Orange County Zodiac on April 15 and the San Diego Flash on April 17. Vallow and Welch will then alternate weekends training and playing in games with U.S. Pro-40.