This week is the 13th annual InfoSport Combine near Bradenton, Florida. The combine allows aspiring players the opportunity to impress coaches and scouts from 3 USL-Pro teams, 4 NASL teams, 1 PDL team, and 6 MLS teams. If players perform well during the course of the 3-day combine, they could earn invites to a pre-season camp or even a professional contract. One of the coaches in attendance is Jesse Myers, head coach of the Rochester Rhinos. Several of the players attempting to make their dream a reality at the combine have connections to Western New York.
Lubo Kocic is probably the most well-known player on this list. The 27 year old standout for the Rochester Lancers professional indoor soccer team last year also played in the midfield for the San Antonio Scorpions for the second part of the summer. Kocic found his way to the Lancers through a professional combine and has since earned caps on the U.S. futsal national team. Kocic is also one of a handful of former professionals at the combine, while most players are closer to college age.
David Wright is one such player hoping to make the jump to a professional team this summer. A former student of Aquinas Institute, the Victor High School graduate played two full seasons with Empire United in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy as a wide midfielder.
Mike Reidy is a well-known player for fans of FC Buffalo. The Colgate senior scored 7 goals within the Patriot League in 2012 and ranks 10th in school history for points. Reidy is a quick, powerful midfielder and was FC Buffalo’s best performer when I saw the team play.
Josh Faga is another FC Buffalo player participating in the combine. The fullback/midfielder was a workhorse for the NPSL side during the last two seasons.
George Tor may soon join the ranks of FC Buffalo, after seeming to impress at an open tryout. The Medaille senior finished his collegiate career with 35 goals in the last two seasons for the D3 school.
Donavan Wilson is a senior forward from Maple, Ontario, who plays at Roberts Wesleyan College. This past year Wilson scored 7 goals and added 3 assists in 16 games.
Jesus Paesch is a 26 year old defender/defensive midfielder from Aruba. He was a stalwart in defense for Roberts Wesleyan during his senior season in 2011.
Jordan Andrecolich played for Daemen College and the Chili, NY native has participated in the InfoSport Combine in years past with increasingly positive reviews.
Ambrose Boway was born in Liberia but attended Thomas Jefferson High School and Monroe Community College. The versatile player can play on the outside of midfield or defense.
For more information on the InfoSport Combine, visit http://www.infosportinc.com/
