2014 D3 Season: National Perspective

[lastguyoffthebench]

I'm sure some of the USL players also make some good coin on the side doing individual training sessions or summer camps...

[GarbageGoals33]

Defenders are more likely to get a look versus midfielders and forwards in my opinion.  Size and athleticism cannot be taught so having a string bean like Altman be an integral part of the Minnesota United roster made sense.  I know that Altman went on trial with the Portland Timbers but unfortunately that was cut short due to injury.  He went back to school to further his education so he is no longer playing professionally.

In all forms of American sport, you could be a fantastic college athlete at any level and not cut it at the professional level.  You see this often with collegiate football players winning the Heisman Trophy and not panning out in the NFL.  Kai was amazing at the D3 level, but it would seem that he was at his peak and his upside at a professional level was limited specifically for the position he played.  How athletically gifted was he?  He certainly had superior technical ability for the D3 level.

[Flying Weasel]

Kai Kasiguran signed with the Chicago Fire and was on their roster for a year or so, IIRC.  But most of that time was lost to injury, however.  Not saying he would or would not have cracked the Fire's regular gameday roster and/or starting line-up, but his chance to claim a place was severely hampered by injury and then they released him.  I'm not sure if he tried to play elsewhere after that or not.

But in general, plenty of D-III players have and can play one level down from the MLS.  10 to 15 years ago it was easier than it is now.  And a lot of it comes down to the motivation of the player to make the sacrifices it takes to make a go of it versus getting on with life and another career.  And many things factor into that decision, not just one's chances of being successful as a pro player.

[Brother Flounder]

I agree with the prior comments that "And a lot of it comes down to the motivation of the player to make the sacrifices it takes to make a go of it versus getting on with life and another career.  And many things factor into that decision, not just one's chances of being successful as a pro player..." IMHO, I really believe that a handful of D3 players each year can eventually make an MLS roster but succomb to the foregoing or have some kind of stigma by MLS personal because they played D3.  Talentwise there are a select few.  One thing I can say is that I have seen many D3 players that are better than some D1 players......

[KICKIN95]

Kai Kasiguran signed with the Chicago Fire and was on their roster for a year or so, IIRC.  But most of that time was lost to injury, however.  Not saying he would or would not have cracked the Fire's regular gameday roster and/or starting line-up, but his chance to claim a place was severely hampered by injury and then they released him.  I'm not sure if he tried to play elsewhere after that or not.

But in general, plenty of D-III players have and can play one level down from the MLS.  10 to 15 years ago it was easier than it is now.  And a lot of it comes down to the motivation of the player to make the sacrifices it takes to make a go of it versus getting on with life and another career.  And many things factor into that decision, not just one's chances of being successful as a pro player.

I believe Kai went on to play with the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL before injuries led to his permanent retirement

[Corazon]

I knew the Williams representation would be impressive, but to see them all laid out like that is unreal for a D3 school.

[Sirius90]

Langley has carved a successful pro career as a mid/forward with Hburg, and even got a sniff with the Union based upon his world-class speed, nose for the goal, and competitive fire. I would refute the opinion that a D3 player with exceptional skill but below average MLS speed would get a serious look.

[Mr.Right]

Langley has carved a successful pro career as a mid/forward with Hburg, and even got a sniff with the Union based upon his world-class speed, nose for the goal, and competitive fire. I would refute the opinion that a D3 player with exceptional skill but below average MLS speed would get a serious look.

u got any examples? Or are you just REFUTING to refute. Remember his exceptional skill will not be exceptional in MLS it will be average at best, That leaves him with a good soccer brain, average MLS skill and below average speed. HE HAS NO SHOT especially with coaches taking less and less risks on D3 kids because jobs are on the line even in scouting and player personnel departments

[soccerfan111]

Mr. Right, I bet you didn't see this one coming.

http://athletics.gordon.edu/news/2015/1/9/MSOC_0109151255.aspx?path=msoc

[Mr.Right]

Mr. Right, I bet you didn't see this one coming.

http://athletics.gordon.edu/news/2015/1/9/MSOC_0109151255.aspx?path=msoc

No I did not but makes a ton of sense even if it is kinda a step side/down. Maybe he was promised additional duties like waxing Brandt's car and getting Halloween candy. 2 ways of looking at this....1. Pottegeir the young aggressor feels his talents are better than Gordon and to get a real good D1 or top D3 gig he needs to go back to D1 Assistant. or he is giving up on the fact of making Gordon into one of these right wing soccer stud bible thumpin schools......

[4231CenterBack]

He went back because they offered him a ton of money, Brandt is on his way out.. Just a matter if time, and they want to be close to family.

[Nutmeg]

He went back because they offered him a ton of money, Brandt is on his way out.. Just a matter if time, and they want to be close to family.

That makes sense....

[Falconer]

Mr. Right, I bet you didn't see this one coming.

http://athletics.gordon.edu/news/2015/1/9/MSOC_0109151255.aspx?path=msoc

No I did not but makes a ton of sense even if it is kinda a step side/down. Maybe he was promised additional duties like waxing Brandt's car and getting Halloween candy. 2 ways of looking at this....1. Pottegeir the young aggressor feels his talents are better than Gordon and to get a real good D1 or top D3 gig he needs to go back to D1 Assistant. or he is giving up on the fact of making Gordon into one of these right wing soccer stud bible thumpin schools......

Pardon me, Mr. Right, but your objectivity is showing. Again. Of course, there are no such schools in your little club--the Ivies and the "elite" old New England colleges, are there? This does help one understand some of your previous comments...

[Mr.Right]

uggh....

[D3soccerwatcher]

He went back because they offered him a ton of money, Brandt is on his way out.. Just a matter if time, and they want to be close to family.

Approximately how much is "a ton of money"?  Also when you say it is just a matter of time for Brandt to leave...how long are you talkng about...months, years (if so, how many), decades?