In our inaugural season, Keith Lough went from tryout participant to fan favorite and co-MVP. Lough, who is now back in his native Scotland, tallied three goals and six assists in eight matches for Le Rouge in 2012. We recently caught up with him, and you can read the Q&A below.
Register for DCFC’s open tryout on February 3 here.
How would you describe your tryout experience?
Tryouts were tough. There was a lot of competition from a wide array of players. Players were desperate to show the coaches what they had to offer so it was very intense. It felt like it was over in 10 minutes.
What was it like for you to go from a tryout participant to a starter to eventual co-MVP?
It was amazing. It shows that hard work pays off! I knew I had the ability to do it after a great senior year at Northwood, so when I stepped out for my first competitive appearance for DCFC as captain (Joshua Rogers was suspended) I was over the moon. It is something I look back on still. It’s a highlight of my career.
What was your experience with Le Rouge like?
I felt like a pro. The way the coaches worked training and prepared us for games was different to anything I had experienced before. All the little details were mapped out. It was excellent. They made it so all we had to do was think about the game. And then there was the owners, hovering about making sure we got what we needed, which was brilliant! For example, after my first game in Binghamton, NY, we had to play them twice in two days with a limited squad due to the travel and I asked if we had ice for some recovery. The answer was no, but five minutes later there was a knock on my door and then one and only Ben Steffans was there carrying 5 bags of ice from the store. An owner going to the store for a player – the little things which make it all worth it. Quality.
From top to bottom it was great.
What was it like for you to play in front of City supporters?
Wow!! The City supporters! In my eyes the best supporters in the world. Stepping out in front of them sent a buzz down your spine. They are the perfect fans: as we were winning they were loud and obnoxious; as we were losing they were loud and obnoxious; and the same when we were drawing. Then they smoke you out! They are there through thick and thin. What more can a player ask for? How about a Haggis? Haha!
What were your feelings when you were named co-MVP?
I was humbled by the award. Don’t get me wrong, I was jumping for joy on the inside and held the biggest smile for days and weeks! But It’s something that might not happen to you often, if at all, so I was extremely happy that I was awarded such an accolade so I wanted to take it all in. I still reflect on that night today.
What’s your most memorable moment from your time with DCFC?
I loved scoring goals in front of our fans! It’s a crazy feeling having so many people going mad after scoring a goal. But to be honest- the whole experience from tryout to the final whistle of my final game will stay with me forever.
What advice would you give prospective players who are attending this year’s tryout?
It’s simple really. Wear your heart upon your sleeve and do what you need to do. Don’t worry about how another individual is doing or if you did something good and the coaches were not watching, worry about yourself and worry about your team. And remember, as a player you don’t want to be sitting in the stands with the fans, you want to be the reason fans create chants or the reason they pick you as MVP!
Register for DCFC’s open tryout on February 3 here.
