When I reach Nane Joseph via phone he is unwinding after spending the day training for the 2010 MLS Combine. Joseph, who completed his senior season at Old Dominion, was named one of the nation’s top players by the NSCCA.
Making The List
Joseph, a NSCAA Second Team All-American, netted six goals on the season and added three assists. His four game-winning goals led the Colonial Athletic Conference. Even with all the awards and accolades, the midfielder was excited to hear about his invite to the combine. "I was happy," Joseph said. "I was anxious waiting to find out, but now I am relieved to hear that I made the combine."
Photo Credit: Old Dominion Athletics
Former Teammate Sends Advice
Many combine invitees, Joseph included, take time to speak with past participants usually former collegiate teammates. In Joseph’s case it was current Real Salt Lake defender and ODU alum David Horst who provided insight into the event. "David gave me advice and told me things," Joseph said.
Weather Not So Good
Like many invitees, juggling training with the country’s recent harsh weather conditions has been a challenge. "The weather has not been so good here in Virginia," Joseph said, "so I have been running at the gym. I am ready and focused for the combine."
The Lions of Africa
These next two weeks, crucial to determining Joseph’s pro potential, are bookended by the MLS Combine and MLS SuperDraft. Midweek, Joseph hopes to enjoy the January 13th match up of Cameroon and Gabon. The midfielder, a native of Cameroon, joyfully speaks about the Cameroonian national team as the conversation turns to the 2010 African Nations Cup. "They will win it," Joseph said proudly.
Hopefully for Nane Joseph, January will turn out to be a big month for his professional soccer pursuits and Cameroon's Indomitable Lions.
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