Earlier this winter, Alec Dufty was one of 30 collegiate players just hoping for a shot at professional soccer. Today, the University of Evansville senior is a member of the MLS New York Red Bulls, becoming the second UE player in the past two years to reach the MLS in his first year out of college. Cory Elenio played last season for MLS champion Columbus Crew.
Dufty was a three-year starter for the Purple Aces after transferring from Appalachian State University. The native of Raleigh, N.C. was a two-time all-Missouri Valley Conference selection. His 1.45 goals-allowed average and six shutouts ranked among the MVC leaders in 2008.
“Alec has been a professional for the last five years in regard to his attitude, commitment and work ethic,” says UE Head Coach Mike Jacobs, who coached Dufty at the club level in North Carolina prior to his college career. “He’s been a perfect role model for his teammates here, and we look forward to watching him continue the tradition of Evansville soccer players in the pros.”
It was a combination of tenacity and persistence that brought together Dufty and the Red Bulls. Disappointed but not undaunted when he was passed over in the draft, Dufty–with a little help from Coach Jacobs–convinced the Red Bulls to invite him to the team’s collegiate mini-camp. From the initial group of 30 collegians who Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio and Goalkeepers Coach Des McAleenan watched, seven were invited to the Red Bulls’ training camp in Florida. By the time camp ended, Dufty was one of three goalkeepers and one of only two from the original group of 30 collegians who stuck with the team.
“I didn’t know what my chances were, but all I could do was my best,” Dufty says. “They liked the way I played in practice, and finally they told me I’ll be on the roster.
“Being here at the University of Evansville, with the environment we were put in, was very similar to a professional team. The expectations placed on you on and off the field, carrying yourself in a professional manner, are exactly the same. Another big factor that helped is the quality level of play. Playing against teams like Maryland and UC Santa Barbara helps prepare you for playing against top-level guys in this environment.
“It was great to go to school where so many great goalkeepers have come from. Great goalkeepers will always come out of here because of the environment created, and it is an honor to be even mentioned in the same breath with guys like Troy (Perkins), Trey (Harrington) or AJ (Lachowecki).”
Next up is a two-week trip later this month to Argentina for friendlies and training prior to the start of the regular season. Until then, Dufty is tending to business on campus.
“I have a lot of classwork to catch up on since I’ve been gone so much lately,” according to Dufty. “I’m only about eight credits away from graduating, so I’m determined to play and still be able to finish school within the next year. There’s a lot on my plate right now, but to have a job like this right out of college is pretty amazing. It’s been something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and with the help of the coaches and my teammates here at UE, I’ve been given a great opportunity.”
