Global Goalkeeping - News: Canadian Drafted by the MLS

Canadian Drafted by MLS
from Canada Kicks
Thursday, 11. February 1999 11:40:32 AM

Canadian Olympic team goalkeeper Greg Sutton took the first step towards a career in MLS today when he was drafted in the second round, 23rd overall by the Chicago Fire in the league's college draft. He was the only goalkeeper selected in the three round draft.

His selection by the Fire must lead to speculation that Jorge Campos' days in Chicago may be numbered. Campos played only 8 games for the Fire last season while posting an unimpressive goals against average of 1.89 not the kind of numbers MLS teams expect from their high priced foreign help. American Zack Thorton who made 25 appearances for the Fire and posted an impressive 1.17 goals against average with 8 shutouts supplanted Campos. The Fires other goalkeeper Scott Coufal made only one appearance in a losing cause.

Greg Sutton works out with Global Goalkeeping's Mike Toshack

Sutton would fit well into a budget conscious side probably making the league minimum in his first year. That and because he his an American citizen (he is eligible to play for Canada because he was born here) he would not count against the Fire's import quota.

Sutton, along with his Olympic team mate Mike Franks (currently with PSV Eindhoven) have been invited to Canadian head coach Holger Osieck's European training camp March 21 - 26 in Duisburg. At this time it is unclear as to how his selection by the Fire might affect his participation in the National team camp since the Fire have already kicked off their pre-season preparation.

A prototypical modern goalkeeper at 6 foot, 6 inches and 215 pounds Sutton is currently in Germany on a trial with Werder Bremen. Along with his size and dominance in the air Sutton has strong hands and excellent speed making him tough to beat.

Recently named a NSCAA Division III First Team All-American Sutton led the St. Lawrence University Saints to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals where they lost to Williams on penalty kicks. He also holds numerous Saints records including career shutouts (29.5), a career 0.64 goals against average and the career saves mark with 472.