On January 4, 2012, Major League Soccer and Creighton University's Tyler Polak agreed to a Generation adidas contract. Stone Sports Management is proud to Congratulate Tyler Polak on a being named to the 2012 MLS Generation adidas class. SSM also would like to thank Major League Soccer and Generation adidas for identifying and providing Tyler an opportunity to join MLS. Here is Tyler signing the GA contract at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska in front of his family:
The former U17 and U20 United States National Team player the first player from Creighton University and the state of Nebraska to earn a prestigious Generation adidas contract Tyler, age 19, had a standout season for the Blue Jays helping the defense post an incredible NCAA Record 19 shutouts in 24 games with only 5 goals (0.20 GAA) allowed all season. Creighton's record breaking season culminated into a NCAA College Cup apperance, Missiour Valley Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship as well as a #2 NSCAA Ranking for the majority of the season. Tyler was recognized for his individual accomplishments during his two years at Creighton University being named to the NSCAA All-Region 1st Team (2011), Pre-season Hermann Trophy and All-American Teams (2011), Missouri Valley Conference 1st Team (2010-11) as well as the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year (2010).
Tyler will participate in this weekend's 2012 MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he will join other members of the 2012 Generation Adidas class, International Players as well as the top College Seniors playing in 3 matches over 5 days in front of all Major League Soccer clubs and coaching staffs. The MLS clubs will get an up close look at the NCAA's best left back prospect in order to evaluate him for next week's 2012 MLS SuperDraft in Kansas City, Missiuri in conjunction with the 2012 NSCAA Soccer Convention.
Stay tuned for more information about Tyler's signing, his MLS Combine performance and his upcoming MLS club destination. For now, please enjoy a couple of articles published at mlssoccer.com and topdrawersoccer.com on January 5, 2012 regarding Tyler's signing.
With the 2012 MLS SuperDraft around the corner, the final additions to the draft class are being made through the Generation adidas process. MLSsoccer.com's college/youth expert, Travis Clark, will reveal and analyze the 2012 members of the GA class.
In the latest edition, we take a look at Creighton left back Tyler Polak.
1. He’s reliable.
In two seasons playing at Creighton, Polak hardly missed a minute of action. In total, he started in every single game he played in, making a total of 44 appearances and playing a shade less than 4,000 minutes.
2. He’s a shutdown left back who likes to get forward.
While Polak still has some developing to do, he's shown the ability to play consistently at the left back spot for Creighton. If he can translate his game to the pro level and adapt, he could emerge as a commodity in a position that is difficult to fill.
3. He’s an experienced US youth international.
Polak spent a number of his formative days at the US Soccer Residency program in Bradenton, Fla., and over the years picked up 35 caps for the US Under-17 squad. He played every minute of the 2009 U-17 World Cup campaign at left back.
4. He’s got ties to the Chicago Fire.
Like most college stars, Polak spent the summer of 2011 playing in the Premier Development League, for the Fire’s U-23 side. Could that be his final destination on draft day?
5. He’s a bit like…
Todd Dunivant. He can lock down his side of the field and can add to the attack if needed.
Polak signs GA deal with MLS |
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Article Written By Robert Ziegler, ESNN
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Former U17 Men's National Team and Creighton left back Tyler Polak has signed a Generation adidas contract with Major League Soccer and will be entered in the league's draft next Friday in Kansas City.
Polak, a Lincoln, Nebraska native who also will participate in the MLS Combine this weekend in Florida, left Creighton after two standout seasons with the Blue Jays.
"We had a good season and went to the final 4, and after talking with my family and my coach at the end of the season, we just felt it was time to go," the 19-year-old said. "I'm excited and nervous. I have a lot of mixed emotions. It's going to be hard, but it should be a lot of fun."
Polak had done well at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup and attracted interest from clubs in Germany, but ultimately decided to enter school at Creighton, where he was majoring in graphic design. He said he thinks he is the better for his two years of college soccer.
"I think it's helped out," Polak said. "I've had different coaches coach me (Jamie Clark and then Elmar Bolowich). They've had different perspectives on the game and it's helped me to get both of those. My teammates have been supportive so I think it was a good move."
Polak said he intends to finish his degree, either through online courses or by re-enrolling at the end of his playing career (the GA deal included an educational component).
MLS only offers GA deals to players who have been tabbed by league teams as someone they'd like to sign. Polak will be evaluated in this weekend's Combine and then likely is a first-round draft choice at next week's MLS Draft in Kansas City, held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention (TopDrawerSoccer.com will have full coverage).
Polak played club soccer for Capital Soccer Asssociation in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was identified initially through U.S. Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program, where he was a standout for the Region II (Midwest) team. He was then selected to enter Bradenton Residency with the U17 Men's National Team by then head coach John Hackworth. He went on to excel under Wilmer Cabrera at the 2009 World Cup in Nigeria.
Polak said he doesn't feel any added pressure as an ambassador for a state not known for sending a lot of players on to soccer stardom.
"I don't feel any weight, I feel more support. I feel like the whole state and my previous team, have my back, so it's more of a lift. I'm not sure how many (Nebraskans) will be watching (the draft). Soccer is not too big here."
Polak is best known as a left back who gets forward well, so he may be considered for a left midfield or wing role in MLS.
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Read more: Polak signs GA deal with MLS | Club Soccer Players To Watch(TM) | College Soccer Recruiting News