Asante Showcases Talent at MLS Combine

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Syracuse soccer’s Rich Asante recently participated in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine from Jan. 5-8 at Lockhart Stadium. Asante was a member of Adidas Teamgeist and participated in three matches, joining more than 60 players hoping to catch the eye of an MLS general manager or coach in attendance.

“Overall, I think I held my own,” Asante said of his performance. “There were some very good players there, but I saw a lot of playing time and the people there said that I did well on the ball and saw the field well.”

Asante, a midfielder, also received praise for his timely passing and understanding of the game during Teamgeist’s match against Adidas Azteca on Day 2. The following day he tallied the opening goal for Teamgeist in the 26^th minute of its match versus Adidas Tango. Asante beat two defenders on the play and delivered a shot past the keeper from the top of the box.

Asante earned NSCAA All-Region honors for the Orange in 2006 and was an All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention choice. He scored two goals and recorded one assist from his midfield spot in the fall.

Asante will learn his fate on Friday, Jan. 12 when the 2007 MLS SuperDraft is held. The draft is slated to begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Indianapolis Convention Center and the first hour will be televised on ESPN2. The remainder of the draft will be streamed online. There are currently 13 MLS teams and the expansion Toronto FC holds the top overall pick.

Asante, who is from the Toronto area, is excited about the possibility of playing for his hometown team.

“It would be a great accomplishment for me,” Asante said. “To play in front of my friends and family would be special, but I’m just hoping to be selected. I’m somewhat nervous, but even if I’m not picked I’m going to continue to pursue a professional career in another league.”

Syracuse University Athletics

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