Erik Hummel perseveres to earn pro contract with Austria Vienna
by Robert Ziegler 7/19/2007

  

While the chance to play overseas is something many elite youth players in the U.S. hope for, there is a certain degree to which young Americans have to make their own opportunity.

Southern California native (and South Bay SC alumn) Erik Hummel may now qualify as the official poster boy for that premise. Hummel has signed a professional contract with Austria Vienna and is currently in preseason training with the club. Hummel is assigned to the club’s 2nd division side, which is fully professional but competing in the division beneath the Austrian Bundesliga, where the club’s top team plays. Players from the 2nd division side can be promoted to the 1st division team.

Crew land U.S. U-20 national teamer Rogers in MLS lottery

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew won the rights to U.S. Under-20 National Team forward-midfielder Robbie Rogers Thursday afternoon in a weighted lottery conducted at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York. The 19-year-old Rogers has been signed to a developmental contract and will not occupy one of the Crew's 18 senior roster spots.

Rounding out the Top Ten picks, former Cal South forward Kei Kamara was selected ninth by the Columbus Crew. An All-American sophomore at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Kamara spent his formative years on the Manhattan Beach Hurricanes (now the South Bay Soccer Club), and this season led his college in goals, assists, points and game-winning goals.