In Kansas City, another pro took a completely different path to first team action, writes Randy Covitz. Former Graceland University midfielder Kevin Souter, 24, showed up at the Wizards’ open tryout at the start of the year with 200 other players, and ended up landing a developmental contract. After suffering an early injury in reserve team action, he has now graduated from the bench to a starting place, scoring his first goal on the way.
The Scot defied KC coach Curt Onalfo’s stated odds of a trialist making the Wizards’ starting lineup as “not very good.” Souter, who led Graceland to three consecutive NAIA national tournaments, winning the national championship in 2006, knew the task ahead was anything but easy. “There are a lot of experienced guys here, guys who have played for the national team,” he said. “I wanted to embrace this. I said I’m going to do whatever it takes after practice, before practice, to try and get better. I’m going to learn from the guys around me and listen to the coaches and gain more experience and ultimately work my way to the first team.”
As though scripted, Souter made his debut as a 79th minute sub against an L.A. Galaxy side featuring his “boyhood hero” David Beckham in September. “Call it fate, destiny,” said Souter, “that was a surreal experience to be on the field in my debut against a player I admired so much. I tried to get his jersey [after the game], but he promised it elsewhere.” Then he scored against Toronto the following week three minutes after coming into the game, and made his first start October 5 against Chicago.
“Souter has been a good possession player for us,” said defender Tyson Wahl, who admitted he was surprised that anyone showing up for a tryout would be so good. “He really fights to keep the ball, and he has a lot of passion to improve.” Souter doesn’t even mind the paltry $12,900 developmental salary. “Regardless of pay, I’m living the dream,” he said. “I’m playing soccer for a living, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”