|
6/2/06 - Former Wheaton soccer standout Greenslit makes professional debut
 NORTON, MA - Former Wheaton College men's soccer standout James Greenslit (Framingham, MA/Rivers School), a three-time All-America back, made his professional debut on Sunday, May 14 as a member of the New England Revolution reserves. With a start in his initial pro match, Greenslit played the first 74 minutes during a scoreless draw with the Chivas USA reserves squad.
"I didn't expect to get in," said Greenslit, "and then I saw my name on the board." He debuted at center back, his position in college, before appearing with New England once again this past Sunday, playing all 90 minutes against the Houston Dynamo reserves. "The speed of the game is faster, and the level of play is better. I held my own, but with more work I could play at that level. It was great being out there with professionals who've played with the Revolution."
While Greenslit is not a full-time member of the team, he said the squad will contact him when looking for extra players. He'll concentrate on an internship this summer before possibly attending United Soccer League (USL) tryouts next year, which he missed this winter due to playing basketball at Wheaton. The highest USL division is one rung below Major League Soccer (MLS).
"James can play at the next level and has all the qualities a pro should have," said Wheaton head coach Matt Cushing, under whom Greenslit played all four years. "He represents Wheaton soccer well. He has been the best center back in New England Division III for the past three years."
For the third straight fall, Greenslit capped his season by being named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas NCAA Division III All-America third team and was voted New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Player of the Year for the second consecutive campaign. The three-time all-New England and all-conference selection was also chosen as Wheaton's Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year for the third time. He also played three years for the Wheaton men's basketball team.
Wheaton's tri-captain anchored one of the toughest defenses in program history last fall, as the Lyons limited opponents to 16 goals in 20 games, posting a 0.78 goals against average and 10 shutouts. Greenslit led the Lyons to their third straight NCAA Tournament with an overall record of 13-5-2 and conference mark of 5-0-1, and the Blue and White captured its fifth NEWMAC regular season and tournament crowns in the eight-year history of the conference.
|
