From David Weir's award-winning season in the Scottish Premier League to Alec Dufty's new assignment in St. Louis, former University of Evansville soccer players are continuing to prosper at the professional level. Here's a look:
DAVID WEIR (1988-91) - There is not a bigger name in Scottish football at the moment than David Weir. The 39-year old recently was named as the Scottish Premier League Player of the Year. Weir has played every minute of each SPL match this season at the heart of the Rangers' defense, and captained the Glasgow side to their second consecutive Scottish Premier League title this season. "David Weir is, without a doubt, the best professional I've been involved with," added Rangers manager Walter Smith. "In terms of his demeanor, the way he handles himself, he's been fantastic and his form has been fantastic."
TROY PERKINS (2003) - Perkins has seen a lot of action in goal for the US National team during the past year, and is in the mix for contention for a place on the United States roster for this summer's FIFA World Cup. After spending the past two seasons with Vålerenga of the Norwegian Premier League, Troy returned to D.C. United in a pre-draft trade deal in which United traded midfielder Fred (Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva), its 2010 first round SuperDraft pick, plus allocation money, to Philadelphia Union. The move allowed United to re-acquire Perkins. Attempts were made to sign him by Feyenoord and several French clubs, but nothing materialized and he returned to D.C. United. Troy returns to D.C., where he was the 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
MARC BURCH (2002-04) - The D.C. United defender has been a stalwart at left back over the past several seasons, but unfortunately is sidelined with a broken foot that leaves Burch looking at a season-ending injury. It also leaves a major hole in the D.C. defense, putting a hold on the Aces' reunion between Perkins and Burch, who played together for the Aces in 2003.
CORY ELENIO (2004-07) - After spending the past two seasons with Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, Elenio joined the Carolina Railhawks of the North American Soccer League of the USSF D2 Pro League. Elenio has been a standout in the early stages of the season, notching an assist in the Railhawks' 2-0 season-opening victory over AC St. Louis.
ALEC DUFTY (2006-08) - After spending the 2009 season with both the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, Dufty signed with AC St. Louis of the North American Soccer League of the USSF D2 Pro League during the off-season. AC St. Louis is a first-year expansion team, and Dufty has been the team's standout thus far this season. Dufty played both exhibition matches versus the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer, and has been in goal for all four of AC St. Louis' matches this season.
