http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/rolfe_colin00.html American college player Colin Rolfe will arrive in Sweden on sunday to train with Djurgården during the next week. Djurgården manager Magnus Pehrsson commented: "Colin is a very skilled forward at the college level, that's why we have invited him over to Sweden so that we can familiarize ourselves with each other. During the last few years I have built up an extensive network in the US and it's through those contacts we've gotten the chance to get to know Colin, who is highly ranked in the college football. Training with a professional team is something that will strengthen his development, after that we will see if anything comes from it. I've been on location and watched him live for three games and he gave a good impression. His playing style reminds me of a young Marcus Allbäck."
A concensus All America the past two years, he really has no (soccer) business returning to school as he appears to have maxed out in college ball. I hope his tryout goes well and he gets, and accepts, a contract. Also note that I didn't use "trial" regarding Rolfe because the last time he was in the news it was for getting arrested in a marijuana bust at his house this spring. http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/...=2011304200088 Cameron Dehn, 19, a freshman diver, Brock Granger, 20, a sophomore soccer player, and Nicholas DeLeon, 20, a junior soccer player, were arrested at a house in the 500 block of East Barbee Avenue. According to their arrest slips, a parcel containing a large amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia was found at that address. Three other soccer players — Colin Rolfe, a 21-year-old junior, Mark Knight, a 23-year-old senior, and Michael Mauro, a 20-year-old sophomore — were cited for one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia. I'm assuming Rolfe has settled his legal issues before heading abroad.
Snip: He leaves Saturday for Scandinavia, where he will spend two weeks getting a look inside professional soccer operations, with teams from Sweden (Djurgarden) and Norway (Fredrikstad). They swear it's just training. http://www.courier-journal.com/arti...-Scandinavia?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p
As a Kentucky alumni it pains me to say that Rolfe is talented. Actually let me rephrase that--he's extremely talented. I normally wish ill will against any U or L athlete but kinda hard to when I can see this guy shining inside a professional environment. I have no doubt he can parlay the interest of Djurgarden and Fredrikstad into a contract.
Even with the rule change? Now college players can play with and against pros and still maintain eligibility as long as they are not being paid. IMO if they've watched him play 3 times and brought him into "familiarize" with the team/staff I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up staying longer than a week. Or returning once he finishes his training stint in Denmark. If he does well I say he signs after the fall college season if not before.
Doesn't really matter how it's worded, as long as Rolfe is paying his way, he retains his college eligibility like Kelyn Rowe. If he doesn't, he loses it like Soony Saad.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEAprNJF_Ds"]YouTube - Colin Rolfe Djurgården Interview‏[/ame]
What impressed me the most in that interview? The Swedish interviewer's damn good pronunciation of LOO-ih-vuhl. It's butchered by everyone american or not!
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JNPJr8RUfQ"]YouTube - Djurgården Manager on Colin Rolfe‏[/ame]
Will they not sign him because this is a Swedish mid-season (and all the money has been long allocated) and/or he is not considered an instant help?
I'm guessing its because they are in the middle of the Swedish season. It sounds like Rolfe and a lot of the other players at other teams are there only to "get to know each other". I think the Swedish season ends in a few months. In Rolfe's case it sounds like he is doing well I wouldn't be surprised if they offer him a contract after the fall season at Louisville.
The only thing about waiting till the end of Louisville season is now MLS will get involved. He is surely going to be signed by MLS. I have no idea what Djurgarden would pay him compared to MLS but competition seems to always lead to higher wages.
Correct in saying that Rolfe will now move onto a trial with Fredrikstad FK in Norway? One has to wonder what if they will see the same qualities in him as Djurgården. If they offer him a deal I wonder what he does. Not a bad predicament to potentially be in. Rolfe's a very good prospect and I'll suspect opportunities from MLS and abroad will continue to present themselves.
I don't know the reason, it's hard to say. The club has already signed two other players (midfielders) who have been here on trial now in mid season. There's always going to be money for smaller signings like these if necessary, since it's alot more expensive to be relegated. It would make sense for a club with one fit first team striker + one more from the U21 and only eight goals scored in ten games to gamble a little and sign someone like Rolfe right away. I know that the first reaction of most fans online when they first heard of him was "THERE IS VIDEO ON THE INTERNET OF THIS GUY SCORING GOALS!! SIGN HIM NOW!!!! ".