Gamecock Men's Soccer veterans Blake Brettschneider and Josh Wolff, both prolific goal-scorers during their playing careers at South Carolina, will start tonight for DC United as they take on the LA Galaxy in MLS action, airing at 11:00 p.m. ET on Fox Soccer Channel.
The veteran Wolff is in his 13th MLS season and was signed by DC United in December 2010. He played for the Gamecocks for three seasons before departing after his junior year to play MLS in 1998. Wolff has also been a member of the U.S. National Team several times, appearing in both the World Cup and the Olympics.
The Washington Post ran a great feature article on Brettschneider yesterday (check out the excerpt below and click here for full article) detailing his quick rise from being a late pick in the supplemental draft to now being they key to several wins and a starter just a few months later.
Good luck to Josh and Blake tonight and throughout the season! It's always great to see Gamecocks continue to be successful after they move on from South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!
-Brittany
The veteran Wolff is in his 13th MLS season and was signed by DC United in December 2010. He played for the Gamecocks for three seasons before departing after his junior year to play MLS in 1998. Wolff has also been a member of the U.S. National Team several times, appearing in both the World Cup and the Olympics.
The Washington Post ran a great feature article on Brettschneider yesterday (check out the excerpt below and click here for full article) detailing his quick rise from being a late pick in the supplemental draft to now being they key to several wins and a starter just a few months later.
Combining size (6 feet), strength and attacking instincts, he has shown promise to become a reliable target forward -- someone who can maintain possession, hold off defenders and pressure the opposing back line. United was aware of Brettschneider at South Carolina but didn't appreciate his potential until the MLS scouting combine a few days before the draft.
Of all the coaches, Pat Onstad, who oversees the goalkeepers, was most impressed.
"Pat really liked him," Olsen said, "and he wouldn't let it go."
United risked missing the chance to acquire him by waiting until the supplemental draft; the team's only pick came in the second round of that three-round phase.
Brettschneider was a pleasant surprise in preseason, scoring four goals and displaying a relentless work rate. Once the season began, Olsen emphasized ball control. "He is always telling me, 'The ball is precious, it's yours, don't lose it,' " Brettschneider said.
Said Olsen: "He played in the moment and made things happen. He completely played his way onto this team. And now we're seeing what he can do."
Good luck to Josh and Blake tonight and throughout the season! It's always great to see Gamecocks continue to be successful after they move on from South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!
-Brittany
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