Technical Sessions: Daniel Stratford

Ninety Minutes

Technical Sessions: #5

West Virginia’s Daniel Stratford arrived at this weekend’s MLS Combine with a slight advantage. Many of the combine players were unable to participate in ninety minute games during the holiday season. Stratford, however, played several full games back home in England.

“I have been training and working hard. I have been fortunate that I have been in England training. I have been able to play full games of ninety minutes. That might give me a slight advantage mentally to know that I am ninety minutes fit.”

The midfielder finished the year with six goals and eight assists. He was proud of the program’s 2007 season and knows that it was critical for future team success.

“It was another season for West Virginia to progress in the right direction. By making it to the Sweet Sixteen of the National Tournament for only the second time in school history shows that the program is heading in the right direction. We are working hard to become one of the major soccer programs in the country. We were little disappointed not to defend our Big East title on the regular season, but certainly it was a successful season for the team. We had a fantastic group of seniors and for me it was important that we had a rewarding season.”

Stratford’s technical ability and competitive spirit were evident throughout his career.
Statistically, he ended up as the career leader in assists with twenty seven. Following the season, he was recognized with appointments to the All-Big East Second Team as well as the NSCAA Northeast Region Third Team.

“That was quite pleasing for me personally. I was pleased with my senior year, but in general I was more focused and worried on how the team was doing.”

Unlike his good friend and teammate, Andy Wright, who passed over the MLS and signed with Championship club, Scunthorpe United F.C., Stratford has focused solely on the MLS Combine. He stated that he does have potential for trials in England but his goal right now is to play in the MLS.

“I am focused on the task at hand.”