MLS Opening Weekend Has Several Deacon Ties
4/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 11, 2007
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
Two former Wake Forest men's soccer players made the first starts of their career and four total Deacs saw action in Major League Soccer's opening weekend this past Saturday and Sunday.
Midfielders Justin Moose (2002-05) of D.C. United and Wells Thompson (2003-06) of the New England Revolution both made their first career starts. Thompson, a rookie who is just four months removed from playing in Wake's College Cup semifinal match against UC Santa Barbara, played the full 90 minutes for the Revs in his first professional game.
Moose, a second-year pro making just his second appearance with United's first team, was subbed after 54 minutes of effective play. Brian Carroll (2000-02) was also on the field for United and played the entire game. Additionally, Carroll recently picked up his fifth and sixth caps with the U.S. National Team, coming on as a sub in games against Mexico (Feb. 7) and Ecuador (March 25).
Three-year veteran James Riley (2001-04) made a switch from his normal role as a wide back and into the central defense for the Revolution, starting in place of 2005 Rookie of the Year Michael Parkhurst (2002-04) who is out for the beginning of the season with a dislocated shoulder. Riley played the entire game in their 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. Ryan Solle (2003-06), also a rookie with the Revs, was on the 18-man travel roster for the team but did not see the field.
Also injured and therefore not seeing playing time was Columbus Crew goalie William Hesmer (2000-03). Stephen Keel (2001-04), a defender with the Colorado Rapids, was not in action either in their 2-1 win over D.C. United.
Steven Curfman (2003-06), a third round selection by Real Salt Lake in this year's MLS SuperDraft, did not dress in the team's opening game against FC Dallas.
Lastly, forward Scott Sealy (2001-04) and Kansas City Wizards were idle last weekend. The Wizards are also the new team of former Deacon Amir Lowery (2001-04).
- WakeForestSports.com -
