This week’s Grand Circus Player Profile features one of the youngest and most active players on the team this year – defender Spencer Glass.
Glass has been a regular on the backline, having started all seven National Premier Soccer League matches for City so far for a total of 469 minutes on the pitch. Glass said it’s his confidence and skill that contribute most to his play.
“I’m very thankful for getting this opportunity,” Glass said. “Being able to work with all the guys – it’s been enjoyable… You have to have confidence in everyone and yourself. Age doesn’t matter on this team. It’s what you have to bring and what you have to offer.”
The Indiana native began his collegiate career last fall at Indiana University. The team placed second in the Big Ten and made an NCAA tournament run into the third round in 2016. The redshirt freshman said the biggest takeaway from playing in Detroit will be the atmosphere and professionalism.
“Here, just with walking out with kids, having this many fans, the interactions between fans on social media – I definitely think that’s next level stuff,” Glass said. “That prepares you for the responsibility and the professionalism.”
Like many of his teammates, Glass joined the club through coaching connections with DCFC head coach Ben Pirmann. Pirmann, also an assistant coach at Michigan State University, recruited the talented rookie through his fellow Big Ten coaches at Indiana.
Glass said he couldn’t have asked for an easier transition to life in southeast Michigan. He added how excited he and his teammates are about their current four-game winning streak.
“You can see how the team has meshed together really well,” Glass said. “The wins are coming, so we’re really excited how everything’s turned out.”
Glass said he thinks there are still areas for improvement, though, such as with cleaning up shots and passes in the offensive zone. He believes if they improve here, they can win by more comfortable margins.
“Sometimes on that final shot or final pass we get a little antsy or try to be a little too perfect,” Glass said. “We want to be able to shutout teams early and make it a blowout so we can make a statement in the league and let people know who we are.”
When he was being recruited by Indiana, Glass said he knew what style of play to expect. At DCFC, this wasn’t the case. He said Detroit offers a “diverse” playing style – one which is both a challenge and an opportunity to learn from.
“Going to a college with recruitment you kind of know how that team plays and what goals you guys have,” Glass said. “But having different ages, different ethnicities, with kids from other countries and definitely different playing styles, it’s unique to try to gel those and learn other players as fast in the summer. But it’s also a great learning process having to adapt and learn a new a playing style and skills.”
Recognizing he has four more years at Indiana, Glass said he is only focused on the now. He said he wants to help Le Rouge reach the playoffs, then carry on back at school – all while maturing as a player.
“Right now, I’m focusing on becoming a better player,” Glass said. “It’s just about improving who I am now and helping the teams I’m on through college. Going forward, I just want to contribute to the team. Winning out is our ultimate goal at this point. It’s all in our hands until the end of the season.”
The x-factor in Detroit for Glass is the fan support, which contributes to his confidence and the team’s momentum. He said he knew of the supporters positive reputation before the season, but was blown away when he began playing.
“Being in the actual atmosphere, it’s something else,” Glass said. “Being in the games consistently, it gives you some confidence and momentum behind you, that if you make a mistake or if you do something successful, you’re going to have a whole crowd behind you for support.”
