They have come a long way from their days playing on a Division III soccer team, or coming to Cal Poly as a walk-on. Tomorrow they will have the opportunity to show their soccer prowess at the next level when they participate in the 2009 Major League Soccer Showcase at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Former Mustangs, and members of Cal Poly’s 2008 NCAA Tournament team, Anton Peterlin and Eric Branagan-Franco will run onto the field with the San Jose Earthquakes when the team plays exhibitions against the Seattle Sounders tonight, and the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Peterlin and Branagan-Franco will vie for a spot on the Earthquakes’ roster. If either of the two gets signed to the MLS, it will be the first time Cal Poly soccer has had a player on an MLS roster.
Both started training with the Earthquakes Thursday and Mustangs’ soccer head coach Paul Holocher said the two will likely get playing time. Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop suggested it yesterday after the team’s first practice at Spanos Stadium.
“Anton will hopefully get some play time here, obviously in front of his home fans. It will be nice for him to come out in our Earthquake gear,” Yallop said.
Peterlin said he’s looking forward to playing before a familiar crowd, but it’s not a motivating factor.
“It should be fun playing in front of the home crowd. We have a great atmosphere of soccer here, but you got to play your A-game everywhere you go,” Peterlin said.
Branagan-Franco isn’t so sure whether his cleats will meet the stadium’s wet turf after practicing yesterday but said he is prepared either way.
“I’m not going in there expecting to get any playing time,” he said. “I’m just going in there to work as hard as possible and train as hard as can and stay on the team. Maybe in the future I will get some chances to play.”
What he does expect this weekend is the experience of taking in the highest level of American soccer.
“It’s a good way to step into the league and get an idea of how the league is and the higher level that I will need to play at,” Branagan-Franco said. “I’m going to do my best to get myself a spot, but otherwise it’s going to be a great experience.”
Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon said getting experience is crucial for new players in determining their mindset.
“I think a lot of times you come in as a kid, in you’re mind you kind of put it up on a pedestal and I think if you’re ever going to be a pro, the first thing you need to do is get exposed and get in there and say ‘you know what I can do this,'” Cannon said.
From yesterday’s practice, Yallop said he hasn’t seen enough of Branagan-Franco, but is impressed with what he’s seen so far.
“It’s hard, a shooting exercise is not goalkeeping,” Yallop said. “He looks the part, he’s not the biggest but he’s sharp and quick which is good. If you’re quick and agile, you can get it done.”
Branagan-Franco attributes his success to his work ethic and the Cal Poly soccer program that has gained much attention since Holocher took over the team three years ago.
“It’s developing, no doubt about it,” Branagan-Franco said. “Coach Holocher has done a great job of picking up better quality players every year. He’s making the program one of the best in the nation. There are going to be more guys from Cal Poly going into MLS, guaranteed. There is a lot of talent there.”
Holocher also said he was happy with the progress of his program, noting that there is a bright future ahead.
“We ended last year No. 23 in the country,” Holocher said. “We got that nice little plaque on the wall that says we’re a top-25 program. We’re bringing in a great recruiting class. Having Major League Soccer teams come to our campus is very exciting for young players.”
While at Cal Poly, Branagan-Franco was named Co-Big West Goalkeeper of the Year and was selected to the NSCAA All-Far West Region Second Team, Peterlin was named to the third team. During his time as a Mustang, the team went 27-15-14 and recorded 10-plus saves against nationally ranked opponents in 2008. Both made the all-Big West first team.
Peterlin was the Mustangs’ team captain in 2007 and 2008, leading the team to its first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance since 1995.
The Earthquakes will be making their second appearance at Spanos Stadium. Last year, they beat the Columbus Crew in the Central Coast showcase. The Crew would go on to win the 2008 MLS Cup.
The team intends to work out its kinks during the preseason exhibition.
“We’re looking to be more competitive at every position. I think last year we started off the season a little sluggish. We had a good core of guys, but we didn’t have much depth. But with tomorrow’s game it will be the first test, kind of like a quiz as to speak if you’re at Cal Poly,” Cannon said.