Men's soccer at the University of Notre Dame is an appealing option for many of the nation's most gifted prep players. One can obtain an education from a first-rate academic institution, play with some of the collegiate game's most accomplished coaches and players at elite facilities in the Big East Conference and use your play on the field as a springboard to the professional game.
The only issue -- playing time. With so many top players coming to campus, finding time on the field can be difficult. But when your chance arrives, you have to make the most of it.
Senior forward Steven Perry seized upon his opportunity of extended play in 2010 and parlayed his increased minutes into a stellar individual season that landed him on several postseason teams. His fine season of course ended with an an invite to the 2011 Major League Soccer Player Combine (January 7-11 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida).
Perry, who had played in 55 contests but only started 13 games in his first three seasons with the Irish, scored 12 goals and added four assists. The goals scored were both team and career highs.
Of those 12 goals, five were game winners.
The offensive outburst, thanks in large part to the fact that the forward started all 20 matches for the Irish in 2010, allowed Perry to be recognized for several postseason accolades at season's end including All-Big East First Team and All-Great Lakes Region Second Team.
"I had the support of my teammates and coaches and couldn't have achieved this success without them," Perry said as he finished up his most recent pre-combine training session.
Unfortunately for Perry and his teammates, the season ended with an exit from the 2010 NCAA Division I Championship tournament after Dartmouth defeated the Irish 2-1 in the second round. Perry spoke about the disappointing end to the season but added that he is proud of the team's overall performance in 2010.
"We obviously had unfulfilled potential and came up short both in the Big East and NCAA tournaments, but overall in 2010 we did quite well as a team."
With the 2010 collegiate season in the books, Perry, along with teammates Jeb Brovsky and Bilal Duckett, now spends much of his time training for the Major League Soccer Player Combine. Not all invitees are able to attend the event with former collegiate teammates and the Irish forward believes this is an advantage to be exploited.
"It is a great advantage because whenever you are put in a pressure situation it is good to have your teammates there, Perry said. "We will encourage each other, offer up advice and be able to talk in between our time on the field."
Perry also turned to former Notre Dame players including Bright Dike and Justin Morrow to talk with them about their combine experiences.
"I had a chat with them about what to expect and to get advice on my playing style since they know my game," Perry said.
The Edmond, Oklahoma native will now continue to work on staying fit, keeping his first touch sharp and his finishing abilities fine-tuned. He also will look to keep mentally focused, a key ingredient to doing well at the MLS Combine.
Oh, and like many players who compete in the Midwest, he is looking forward to the warm weather of South Florida.
"I welcome it," Perry said.
Find more interviews and news at -- 2011 MLS Combine and SuperDraft Coverage Center
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