By Roderick McClain
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/whqr/local-whqr-944964.mp3
01-12-11 –
The Hammerheads, Wilmington's minor league soccer team, didn't play last year, citing poor ownership. As the team prepares for a return season under new ownership, players from around the globe are meeting on the grass at Legion Stadium in hopes of earning a spot on the roster.
Before the sun cut through the blustery cold, about thirty soccer players met for tryouts on Saturday. Coach David Irving and his assistants, all bundled in knee-length coats, watched as Hammerhead hopefuls plied their skills in a scrimmage game against a team comprised of local standouts, UNCW players, and former Hammerheads.
With the year off, the team is completely rebuilding. Pending league approval, two recent signees are the only players on the books. Coach Irving.
"We're starting from scratch, basically. So we don't have any players, and I've gotta look at everything that's out there for us."
During the scrimmage, a shaggy, blonde-haired midfielder made an overlapping run down the left flank, receiving the ball, curling it to the far post, where a teammate leapt and smashed the ball past the keeper. That midfielder is Nottingham, England's Adam Arthur. He came to the US on a scholarship four years ago and he's looking to extend his soccer career by playing professionally after college.
"I just want to play as long as I can while my knees will let me play."
Arthur attended Lander University in South Carolina, and since graduation he's driven to any tryout within eight hours of home. He and several other players hope to make an impression with the coaching staff.
"If they offered me something here, then I would stay here. I think I did pretty well, so we'll see what happens."
Coach Irving says a few of the players from the try-outs may have a chance at earning their own Hammerhead jersey, but it's a process.
"I'll probably invite some of them back to another tryout, and then bring them into camp with us when we start pre-season on March 7th."
The Hammerheads hold their final tryouts next month, and after that, Irving expects to have a full roster.
Chris Economides, Senior Director of the United Soccer League, says the team was sorely missed last season, but he expects the Hammerheads to mount a quick return to marquee status in the league. Just a few months separate port city soccer fans from a familiar whistle, and kickoff.