Bristol to Seattle: college soccer in action

For generations young British footballers have faced the choice between pursuing the sport they love or continuing their education.

At 18 years of age Andy Rose opted to leave Bristol City’s academy, move to Los Angeles and attempt both – it was a decision he now calls the best of his life.

Seven years after starting at the University of California (UCLA), Rose is in his fourth season with Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders playing alongside Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.  

Rose lived in Bristol before starting college in Los Angeles

One of five Englishmen in MLS to have come through college soccer, Rose revealed he has his sister to thank for a move that reshaped his career in football.
“My decision to look in to college soccer in the States came about from my sister, who was playing tennis at Northwestern University in Chicago,” explains Rose.

“I was doing well with Bristol City but I didn’t think I was ready to be a pro at 18 and the top tier players from our academy weren’t getting much of a look in with the first team.

“College soccer gives you up to four years to develop your game and can come very close to a professional environment depending on the programme.”

Before deciding to leave Rose, a holding midfielder, had captained Bristol City’s academy side at under-16 and under-18 level, and enjoyed success in the FA Youth Cup.

His side made the fifth round twice, beating Everton at Goodison Park and Leeds United along the way.

Despite this Rose knew time was running out to make his mark in English football and joining a college soccer programme stood out as his best option.

“In England you really need to break through between 18 and 21, and if you’re not good enough then you’re not good enough,” said the 25-year-old.

“By playing in the USA, you can continue your education through those years and keep developing your game in a pretty stable environment.

“UCLA was an easy choice for me. The possibility of living in Los Angeles for a few years while playing for a programme with a great history of producing top players was far too good to pass up.”

Premier League star Friedel began his career with UCLA

By joining UCLA’s soccer programme Rose was following in the footsteps of ex-Fulham captain Carlos Bocanegra, Brad Friedel and his Seattle Sounders’ teammate Chad Barrett.

The Bristolian quickly adapted to his new lifestyle, being named UCLA’s Rookie of the Year in 2008 before becoming the Bruin’s captain in his third year.

In four years, Rose scored five goals and made 11 assists in 81 appearances for the Bruins and the midfielder has only positive memories of his time in California.

“Captaining UCLA will always be something I’ll be proud of: We had a great record throughout my four years that almost culminated in a national championship,” added Rose.

“I owe Jorge Salcedo, my coach, a lot for bringing me over to the States and giving me such an incredible opportunity.

“His record for producing players that go on to the next level speaks for itself. I was gutted we couldn’t give him a national championship during my time.”

Rose came close in his fourth and final year as UCLA lost their NCAA semi-final on penalties to the University of North Carolina, who went on to win the championship.

In the same 2011 season the Englishman was named the university’s most valuable player after leading the Bruins to a third regional conference title in four years.

Rose felt he had done enough to gain the interest of MLS clubs, but had to wait until the Supplementary Draft before being picked up by two clubs in just two hours.

“I was initially drafted to Real Salt Lake and was excited for any chance to go to an MLS side to be honest,” explains Rose. “About two hours later I got the phone call and had been traded to Seattle.

“I was ecstatic – I had trained with the Sounders for a week after my second year in college and loved everything about the club.

“Being part of a club that is always challenging for the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup has been an incredible experience.”

US captain Michael Bradley has played in England & Germany

Last year Rose played his part as the Sounders won the Supporters’ Shield and Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in his third season at the club.

A feat made more impressive by MLS’s rapid improvement in recent years; something that the Seattle midfielder is keen to highlight.

“Even in my four years in the league I think you see more world class players wanting to come, and some are starting to come earlier in their careers,” added the 25-year-old.

“The likes of Obafemi Martins, US captain Michael Bradley and Sebastian Giovinco would have lots of offers from top leagues around the world but they choose to come to MLS.”

It’s not just on the pitch that the league has improved – interest in MLS is on the rise in the States and in Britain.

“Americans in general are getting much more into it because of the national team’s success at the past two World Cups,” said Rose.

“It’s easy to see here in Seattle because we get over 40,000 at every home match, it’s a great time to be in the league.”

“Hopefully it will gain more followers when Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard come in the summer.”

The arrival of two of English football’s star names will only add to a large group of English talent already in the league.

Englishman Dwyer (centre) reignited his career in the US

Bradley Wright-Phillips scored 27 times to claim the MLS Golden Boot last year, while Dom Dwyer, another Brit who played college soccer, scored 22 times for Sporting Kansas City.

“Dom’s career has really taken off here and he is now one of the top strikers in the league after going through the collegiate system,” added the Supporters’ Shield holder.

“There are a lot of good English players in the league – Giles Barnes is having a great season in Houston, Luke Mulholland in Salt Lake, Liam Ridgewell and Nigel Reo-Coker to name a few.”

Rose is reaping the rewards of his decision to move Stateside – his Seattle side currently top the league’s Western Conference and are well placed to chase further success in 2015.

With MLS set to add another four teams by 2020 Rose wants to urge young players to seriously consider a move into the US college system.

“I think lots of young English players can come over to the States and have an incredible experience, which will keep them in the game at a decent level,” said Rose.

“Getting an education was important for me as something to fall back on and I think it’s something to really consider – although it was hard work I’m glad I have a degree now.

“If you develop your game in the right ways then you can always go back to England, that door isn’t closed as soon as you leave for America.”

After leaving these shores in 2008, Rose hasn’t ruled out a return home, but like then the opportunity would have to be right.

“Playing in England again would be fantastic and it would be nice to be close to my family again but leaving here would be difficult,” added Rose, who received his US green card in 2013.

“It all depends on what opportunities come up in the future.”

Images courtesy of Seattle Sounders FC via YouTube, Dagur Brynjolfsson, Amil Delic and Brent Flanders, with thanks.