Xavier University Athletics
Eric Osswald to Participate in 2015 MLS Player Combine
01.08.15 | Men's Soccer
MLS Combine Schedule
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year Eric Osswald will spend the next five days auditioning for professional clubs at the 2015 MLS Player Combine at Central Broward Regional Park. An important audition for some of the best amateur players in the nation, the Combine will kick off on Friday, Jan. 9 and last through next Tuesday.
72 total players were invited to the event and this marks the third straight year for Xavier soccer to have a player at the event. The group will be split into four teams at the Combine, which will then play three games over the five days. The schedule also includes opportunities for player interviews with interested clubs.
XU is one of just seven programs nationally with Top-25 MLS SuperDraft picks in the last two years.
“Im happy for Eric and feel that justice has been served, so to speak," said head coach Andy Fleming. "His body of work for a top team in an elite conference speaks for itself and I felt all along that he earned the right to compete and showcase himself with the best players in the country. I also felt the same way about Will Walker, and feel that both of them will make strong impressions in the next few weeks as they go on 'job interviews'.”
Osswald, the 2014 BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year, made 21 starts and set school records for shutouts (11) and GAA (0.74) this past season. The Powell, Ohio native allowed just three goals in conference play, tying the all-time league record set by Notre Dame in 2004, and put together a 12-match unbeaten streak from Sept. 4 to Oct. 29 (the second-longest in school history). His presence in the net was a big factor in XU's landmark season, which saw the program register a record 15 wins and appear in the NCAA Tournament Third Round for the first time.
"I'm very honored and excited to be a part of the MLS Combine and be able to showcase my abilities in front of these coaches," said Osswald. "It's a great event to be a part of and I'm thrilled to be able to represent Xavier and Xavier Soccer. I'm looking forward to playing against and alongside some of the most talented college players out there. It's truly a blessing and a great opportunity and I'm focusing on enjoying the process."
The 2015 MLS SuperDraft is held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention and will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
