Photo Credit: Mike Dickbernd, IU Athletics
Long known as fertile ground for the professional game, Indiana University sent another member from its men's soccer program to Major League Soccer's player combine. Senior defender Rich Balchan accepted his invitation last week as he joined the long list of former Hoosier players to compete at the annual event.
The four-year starter and 2010 first team All-Big Ten selection showcased his versatility this past year playing in both the midfield and back line. He projects as a defender at the next level but the ability to switch positions could be useful at the combine where players often play multiple positions. Even more so, versatility is always a positive at the professional level.
"Versatility is very attractive to professional clubs because as every club faces adversity, players are needed to step out of their comfort zone a bit and play different positions to help the team," Balchan said via email.
Balchan helped the Hoosiers to the 2010 Big Ten regular season title and played a pivotal role in the team's deep playoff run. One of the final sixteen teams in the Division I tournament, Indiana lost to eventual College Cup champions Akron.
"Here at IU, we enter every season with very high expectations of winning a national championship, so our fate being decided at the hands of Akron in the sweet sixteen was disappointing," the defender said.
"However, I am very excited about the direction of the program under Todd Yeagley as we made great strides this past year."
The upcoming combine participant took time to speak with former teammate Eric Alexander. Now with FC Dallas, Alexander parlayed a successful 2010 Major League Soccer Player Combine performance into a professional career. "His biggest point of emphasis was to show up in top fitness as well as play loose and just have fun," Balchan said.
Focused on all aspects of his training, Balchan's hard work could help him join his former teammate at the next level.
"I am pushing my fitness as that is something I have complete control of. I've been in the weight room with the strength and conditioning coach here at Indiana University pushing my fitness beyond what it was during the season. Also, I have been getting some touches in to make sure that I am technically sharp."
+ Find more combine interviews -- Soccer City FC's 2011 MLS Player Combine Profiles
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