Eric Osswald Turns in Sterling Performance at MLS Combine

Jan. 14, 2015

Full List of Invitees | MLS SuperDraft Info

LAUDERHILL, Fla. - Xavier's Eric Osswald, the 2014 BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year, impressed during his five-day stint at the 2015 MLS Combine, allowing zero goals over three matches and manning goal for Team Nitro Charge, which finished the event undefeated at 2-0-1.

Players arrived on Thursday, Jan. 8 and competed as part of four teams throughout the weekend. Competition finished on Tuesday with the completion of each side's third match.

"The combine was a great experience. It was a blast to getting to play against some of the top attacking prospects and being challenged in the net," said Osswald, who set program records for shutouts and GAA in a season this past year. "I really enjoyed the whole experience, including getting to sit down and meet with some MLS coaches. It's crazy seeing all the coaches and former players walking around the hotel in person when I am used to seeing them from a television screen."

Osswald finished 10th in the vertical jump (31 inches) out of the 72 invitees, proving to be one of the most athletic goalkeepers in camp.

"I felt that I showed well and hope to get the opportunity to compete for a spot on an MLS roster," said Osswald.

The MLS SuperDraft is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. 

Match One - Team Nitro Charge 0, Team Predator 0 | Highlights
On the pitch, Osswald showed well for Team Nitro Charge in his first match on Friday, Jan. 9 by making six saves, collecting a clean sheet and preserving a tie. 

Match Two - Team Nitro Charge 2, adiZero 0 | Highlights
In his second outing, Osswald posted another shutout after Nitro Charge went ahead in the 18th minute on a goal by SIU-Edwardsville striker Christian Volesky. Oregon State's Khiry Shelton scored the second to improve Nitro Charge to 1-0-1 at the combine.

Match Three - Team Nitro Charge 1, Nativo 0 | Highlights
Osswald finished camp with his third consecutive shutout, backing the Nitro Charge defense in another victory. The team finished with the best record at the combine at 2-0-1, getting another goal by Volesky in the 39th minute.

Social Media Mentions

Xavier GK Eric Osswald (2013 Menace) is competing at the MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale. Tomorrow's the last day. Good luck, Eric!
-- Des Moines Menace (@MenaceSoccer) January 12, 2015

Six saves and a clean sheet! RT @XavierMSOC: Eric Osswald had a good first day in goal at the MLS Combine. Go X! http://t.co/wHOvIaVeSL
-- Xavier Musketeers (@XUAthletics) January 10, 2015

Star GK performances from Eric Osswald (Xavier) and Spencer Richey (Washington) in first game of the #MLSCombine
-- GK iNFORMER (@gkinformer) January 10, 2015

#Xavier goalie Eric Osswald shines in MLS Combine debut: http://t.co/PEa1Nq4Pnu
-- Shannon Russell (@slrussell) January 10, 2015

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