Opportunity Knocks for Dominic Cervi with the US U-23s

Goalkeeper Dominic Cervi went into the MLS Combine like the other sixty or so players, hoping to catch the eye of somebody important so he could keep playing beyond the college level.

(For what it’s worth, there’s a lot there to catch the eye. The University of Tulsa player is 6′5″. Or 6′6″, depending on your source.)

He did more than catch the eye of MLS scouts, though. US U-23 Coach Peter Nowak saw him play and immediately whisked him away, out of the Combine and into the U-23 team camp. (The U-23s are currently training in Florida for the Olympic qualifiers.) No more Combine for Dominic!

BRADENTON, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2008) – Dominic Cervi, a 6′5”, 204 pound goalkeeper from Norman, Okla., has been called into training camp with the Under-23 Men’s National Team in Bradenton, Fla. Cervi, who played for three years at the University of Tulsa, was participating in Major League Soccer’s combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he was spotted by U-23 head coach Peter Nowak.

The 6′5” goalkeeper will take the place of Jules Valentin, who will be leaving camp after re-opening a wound on his face. Valentin headed the ball during Saturday’s scrimmage with the Under-17 Men’s National Team, and reopened a gash on his forehead, requiring seven stitches. Valentin did participate in the MLS combine on Sunday afternoon.

One day you’re just another prospect, the next the words “Olympic hopeful” are buzzing around your head.

Not a bad weekend’s work. Good luck, Dominic!

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Category: North America, World Football