Wizards' Souter relishing opportunity

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Kevin Souter knew the reporters would be coming for him. The look on the Kansas City Wizards midfielder's face was an expectant one, one that said not "Finally!" but "This is great!" It was a release. One that he knew he deserved. And he jumped in with both feet.

Souter had just played in his second MLS match seven months stepping onto the artificial turf at the K.C. Sports Lodge in Independence, Mo., in February as one of more than 200 open tryout hopefuls. He only played 14 minutes, but they were glorious.

Three minutes after coming on in the 76th minute, Souter had scored the Wizards' second goal to give them an all-important cushion in a match against Toronto FC that was closer than its final 2-0 scoreline. "I felt that a goal was going to come, whether or not I was going to play a part in the game, I didn't know, but I'm always available," said Souter, with his Scottish accent and a jolly demeanor that revealed the kind of guy anyone would love to hang out with.

Souter grew up in Portsoy, Scotland, playing soccer well enough that he became involved with the youth program of Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen. Eventually, he came to America to play soccer at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, after being discovered by one of their scouts.

Not everyone can make such an adjustment, but Souter triumphed, helping elevate the Jackets to the NAIA national championship in 2006 while earning honorable mention All-America status. The following season, the kudos kept rolling in: first-team all-conference and Heart of America Athletic Conference player of the year and second team NAIA All-American as a junior.

Then the 24-year-old Souter made another decision -- to forego his senior year to try and become a professional soccer player.

"He's a very motivated guy; we have a lot of confidence in him," said Kansas City head coach Curt Onalfo.

The 6-foot, 180-lb. center midfielder has guts and confidence. Confidence enough, after playing for Des Moines Menace of the USL Professional Development League in 2007, to head to the Wizards' open tryout. Through perseverance, patience and talent, Souter outperformed players from 15 countries to become one of two players -- the other midfielder Nelson Pizarro -- to earn a contract.

"As soon as I met [him], I could tell he had a dream and he was going to do anything to get it," said friend Ken Baldwin who played with Souter at Graceland.

"It's a big transition coming from college soccer, through the tryouts, and into the team," said Souter. "I've just been working hard. It's paid off."

Shortly after earning his contract with the Wizards, Souter had yet another challenge, this one not by choice. His right MCL suffered a sprain, and the injury kept him out a month-and-a-half.

But in the last month, he has been in fine form, resulting in his first MLS minutes in the Wizards' 2-0 win against the LA Galaxy two weeks ago and his goal against Toronto FC.

"He got a little bit ahead of himself once he scored the goal. If you looked at him, he was kind of all over the place," said Onalfo with a grin. "But once he settled down, he was fine. But that's all part of his progression as a player."

At the moment, Souter's role within the side is clear. He entered the fray against Toronto FC shortly after Jack Jewsbury's penalty kick put the Wizards up 1-0 in the 63rd minute.

"We're using him in a role to help preserve the lead. It's nice when you put a guy in to preserve the lead and he scores a goal," Onalfo said.

Souter understands that he's still an apprentice.

"I'm always watching and learning from these guys," he said.

And the amiable Souter is enjoying his time, especially when he was able to live out another dream when stepping on the field against idol David Beckham in his debut for 11 minutes against the Galaxy.

"I grew up back in the U.K. He's a big, big idol of mine. I'm a Manchester United fan, and I watched him since one of his first games all the way through. He's just a class act," Souter said. "Just walking out at Arrowhead last week and seeing him warming up, he just seems to have a presence about him."

And so does Souter, a presence that oozes friendliness and determination.

"When you approach [him], he always has a smile on his face and is happy to see you," said Baldwin.

It may only be a matter of time before Souter becomes someone's idol. He might already be.