LA SOL: Open Try Outs - Holding onto your Dreams...

One of my first projects as a part of the LA SOL PATROL was to take some photos of the LA SOL Open Try Outs. And it was a treat. I thought I would share the day with you all as well as some photos.

Personally, the idea of Open Try Outs for a professional league sounds like a gift. No matter where you have played, whether on the college field, the international spectrum or the dirt field in your city WPS gave you a chance. The WPS Combines were invite only, but Open Try Outs, follow a couple simple rules and you could be playing pro soccer. I respect the league for offering this opportunity, and who knows, the needle in the haystack could be the next Mia Hamm. Could it be you?

I drove down to Home Depot Center, in Carson, CA, home to the LA SOL and LA Galaxy. In the city of sunshine rain seemed to fill the sky all weekend except for Sunday and good thing because soccer in the rain is a whole new game.

The turf field was filled with soccer hopefuls, some names I had never heard and others I was incredibly familiar with, combine attendees, internationals, college players...

Abner Rogers and his staff was on hand and fully involved. Charlie Naimo, the LA SOL General Manager was also there watching closely and making conversation with the players.

Jumping onto a soccer field surrounded by players you have never passed with and players whose styles you are not aware of, is rough. But that is the test. Which of these try out players stands out? Who is dominant? Who adapts quickly?

Being that the LA SOL has a stacked roster with 22 players, any new player the team picks up has to be...well...incredible.

Of the many players at the Try Out, 5 had been on the Combine Fields. And as an outside spectator and soccer fan, those players stood out. Jayme Cargnoni, Kim Yokers, Monica Gonzalez, Alivia Mazura and Keri Sanchez were the players that had battled for WPS Roster positions at the combines and were back to fight for the possibility once more. Their experience was evident as they guided other players and dominated the flow of the game. My quick encounter with Monica Gonzalez consisted of her commenting on my blue sunglasses and asking me if her hair looked ok. It was very funny and she was very personable and simple, you would never know she was the captain of the Mexican National team. She as well as her fellow WUSA veterans were very comfortable on the field.

The spirit at the combine was high and competitive. At the end, the players walked off the field not knowing if they would be back wearing a SOL jersey. It was an inspiring vision to see these players giving it their all and even more inspiring to see how grassroots the Women's Professional Soccer league is. The coaches and GM were out there watching and participating first hand. There was no overzealous pride or no noses in the air, just coaches and players out on a field. It's great.

When the day came to a close after a couple of matches, Head Coach Abner Rogers sat the try out players down and thanked them for their attendance. He spoke sincerely and honestly, " The standards are high as we have a balanced team." He further explained that it would be difficult to add players to a already full roster as "...on paper we have 3 Goalkeepers and 4 or more forwards..." He made it clear that every player at the try out did well but that the league has set the bar high. Abner was clear that preseason was a battle ground and the best players would start for the SOL. He sincerely closed the day by saying, "If you have this dream continue to pursue it. If you do not make the team, it is not the end of the world. We need this league, we need a fan base. Continue to play, support and go out and coach. Keep pursuing your dream." If players were invited to join the LA SOL for preseason match ups, which could lead to a roster spot, they would have found out last night. I wish them the best.



I cannot wait to see the SOL hit the field this March, with its all star roster of Olympic medalists, 3 time FIFA Player of the Year and who knows... maybe even a player who was out on the open try out field.

More photos to come on the LA SOL FAN CORNER