USL PRO Combine Notebook
Thursday, January 23, 2014
BRADENTON, Fla. – Among the group of top goalkeepers brought to IMG Academy for the 2014 USL PRO Combine presented by Nike, Ocean City Nor’easters goalkeeper Brian Billings has an impressive resume.
A standout at Bradley University, where he capped his college career with MVP honors at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament last fall, Billings also claimed NSCAA All-Region honors for a third time in his senior season. Add in that he was also a key component as Ocean City claimed the Eastern Conference championship, and you have a player who could be ready to move into the pro ranks.
Certainly, his experience with the Nor’easters last summer was one that surprised even him as the side battled through a tough Mid Atlantic Division before it fell to the host Austin Aztex in the semifinals.
“Coming from my college team to Ocean City, I wasn’t really expecting anything, but then I got on the field with such phenomenal players, and making it to the national semifinals in the PDL, you couldn’t ask for anything more,” Billings said after Thursday's training session.
Billings has seen former teammates from Bradley move into USL PRO in recent seasons, including Christian Meza playing well for the Charlotte Eagles in the past two years. Given the league’s new growth and partnership with MLS, Billings said earning a berth with a USL PRO team would be an ideal start to his professional career.
“A couple of my buddies played in USL for the Eagles and the Richmond Kickers last year,” Billings said. “They said it’s a very good level, and a lot of MLS teams are starting to be affiliated, so what better start than to try to start off the bat, get a couple of starts here and there, and hopefully make the jump. You’ve got to start somewhere, and I’m glad to start at a level such as this.”
LEWIS AIMS TO RAISE LEVEL: Panama City Beach Pirates goalkeeper Sean Lewis was a standout in his first season in the PDL this past summer, finishing in the Top 10 in goals-against average as the Pirates claimed a playoff place for the first time in their short history.
Lewis continued his strong performances into the college season, earning the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Week honors three times this past fall as the confidence that grew during the summer translated to a strong senior season.
“I got a lot of confidence from it,” Lewis said of his time with the Pirates. “Playing in the PDL, it’s probably the best level you can play while you’re still in college, and it’s great. You get to work with a whole lot of good quality players, and the whole level just gets sped up.”
That experience and the time spent at Oakland has given the Lewis the belief that he has the capability to compete for a place in USL PRO.
“I think I am [ready],” Lewis said. “Obviously, I’ve still got a lot to learn, and I’m willing to learn, but I think I always adapt to the level I’m playing at, so I just want to play at the highest level.”
CUP RUN DREAM FOR D’ARRIGO: Two of the goalkeepers at this year’s USL PRO Combine got to experience the thrill of a run in the U.S. Open Cup, with the Des Moines Menace’s Scott Angevine getting to face his former team in the third round in Sporting Kansas City, and FC Tucson’s Michael D’Arrigo advancing to face the Houston Dynamo.
For D’Arrigo, who also featured this past fall for the University of San Diego, the chance to play at BBVA Compass Stadium was a dream come true.
“It was awesome, it was a dream come true for me,” D’Arrigo said. “Growing up, you always dream about playing in the big stadiums and playing against the best teams, so getting to travel to San Antonio and beat them on PKs, and then getting to travel to Houston, although we lost, it was one of the best experiences of my life so far.”
D’Arrigo is one of a number with FC Tucson ties attending the Combine, with Head Coach Rick Schantz on hand to not only scout, but also provide support as some of the club’s players look to move into the pro ranks. After a cross-country flight to Florida, D’Arrigo is appreciative of having a familiar face around as he trains and competes this weekend.
“That’s good to see my coach here,” D’Arrigo said. “Brings a little more comfort when you’re far from home.”