Having worked with Alec Dufty at both the youth and collegiate levels, there was never a question in my mind that he would become a professional soccer player. Even in high school, he was always more driven and focused than his peers. Having a father who played professionally didn't hurt as a role model - his father (Dave) played for the San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the 70's.
Now a member of the 'Goalkeeper U' fraternity that has developed over the years at the University of Evansville - US internationals AJ Lachowecki (US Futsal team), Trey Harrington (US Olympic Team) and Troy Perkins (US full national team) - the similarities in the career path to Perkins is most similar: undrafted out of college after performing well at the MLS Combine; coming into the league relatively unheralded (initially signed as a 3rd string goalkeeper).
Who knows what the next step is for Dufty, but the reason why guys like Perkins, Matt Pickens (Colorado) and Will Hesmer (Columbus) have all made it is because they have had the resolve, commitment and drive to come through the system and earn their keep. Dufty has a lot of those same attributes, so who knows...
Attached is an article from today's Evansville Courier Press about Dufty and his pre-season with the New York Red Bulls.
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