Dalby Finding Peace In Charlotte
Published on April 12, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
TAMPA, FL - Just a few years ago Greg Dalby was serving as captain of the U.S. U-20 Men's National Team and was viewed as a top professional prospect coming out of Notre Dame. Launching his pro career, however, hasn't been as smooth as the San Diego native had hoped, and he is making a fresh start with the Charlotte Eagles of the USL Second Division in 2010.
A First-Team All-American and captain for Notre Dame in 2005 and 2006, the longtime U.S. youth international was taken 17th overall in the 2007 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, but a career abroad was calling. Dalby's move across the Atlantic proved ultimately frustrating, and his return to the U.S. to play for Colorado in MLS bore little fruit.
"My pro career thus far does not look anything like I imagined it to," said Dalby, the 2002 Gatorade National Player of the Year at Poway High School. "It's always tough to confront the expectations I've had since I was a young player and I still wrestle with it to this day. But I have a lot of peace in where I'm at."
Where he is at is Charlotte, a faith-based Christian organization that often attracts players who likely could have more lofty professional opportunities, but choose to focus on spirituality and soccer.
"I feel like God led me to Charlotte," Dalby said. "I've known about the Eagles organization for a long time and have known a few guys who have been a part of it here, and talking to them made me really excited to come here. My expectations for the future are very short-term right now: I expect to grow in my relationship with Christ while I'm here and also gain the valuable experience of playing professional games. I hope to have a role on the team that contributes game in and game out. I know this will only help me as a pro and more importantly grow me as a man following Jesus."
Charlotte will serve as Dalby's new beginning in his education as a professional. When he left college, Dalby had interest from Siena, Celtic and Preston North End, but work permit issues led him to sign with Charleroi of the Belgian Jupiler League in August of 2007. Unfortunately, he made no appearances for Charleroi and at end of the season was let go by the club. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
"To be really honest, my experience on the field was incredibly frustrating. I never played, and as a player that makes it real tough. Couple that with being far away from home in a country where they don't speak English and it added up to be a tough time for me."
But while the frustration of not receiving playing time made his career a challenge, Dalby did enjoy his stay in Belgium.
"Some of the highlights from my time in Belgium were having the cultural experience of living abroad. I loved where I lived and had a lot of fun there, and am grateful for my year in Belgium. That being said, God provided in a mighty way through relationships and growth as a young man. I loved learning French, traveling, and having an altogether new experience as a soccer player."
Even though he didn't see any game action, Dalby gained valuable experience training with Charleroi.
"Despite not playing in any games, my soccer education continued in a big way when I was in Belgium. I learned a lot about youth development when I was there. The young players are far more technical than the average youth player in the U.S. The training sessions at the club were spent focusing on fundamental techniques for the first 45 minutes of training almost every day, which I really loved and benefited from."
But it was not enough. After joining Colorado midseason in 2008, Dalby made only three appearances that season for the Rapids and a pair with the team's reserve squad before an ankle injury hampered his opportunities down the stretch. The 2009 season did not go any better as he made only 11 appearances - mostly off the bench - for a total of 242 minutes of play. He remained with the team hopeful for a spot on the 2010 squad, but was waived in mid-March, opening the move to Charlotte.
With the departure of retired veteran Dustin Swinehart, Dalby could be among the new candidates to lead the Eagles on the field. Just two years ago he was a member of the U.S. U-23 squad for the Toulon Tournament in France after previously serving as the U.S. U-20 captain and playing in the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Part of the U.S. youth program since joining the U-16 squad, he was also a co-captain for the U-18 National Team.
The youth success, however, has yet to carry over into his professional career.
"In answering the question of what keeps me going its real simple: I love soccer," Dalby said. "God has blessed me in a major way through soccer and I feel passionate about it and will continue to play until God changes that passion for something else. Being in Charlotte is absolutely a career move for me and this is where I want to be to grow my game and progress in how I perform as a pro."
Don't miss out on Greg Dalby and the Charlotte Eagles this Saturday, April 17 at Charlotte Christian Stadium as they host the Charleston Battery at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets today at www.charlotteeagles.com .
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 12, 2010
- Monarchs Recognized by the City of Rockville - Real Maryland Monarchs
- Dalby Finding Peace In Charlotte - Charlotte Eagles
- Kickers Offer Complimentary Season Passes To Richmond's Youth - Richmond Kickers
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