Gunterman, Thompson and Garay show their stuff in the PDL
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Information

Two former Kansas Wesleyan soccer players, and one Coyote-to-be are showing their skills in the United Soccer League’s (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) this summer.

Former Coyotes Joel Gunterman and Trey Thompson, along with newcomer Jose Garay are all playing for the Lancaster Rattlers of the PDL.

Gunterman has made an immediate impact on the team, despite the Rattlers going 2-14 in their inaugural season.

He was selected to play in this December’s PDL Under-23 Showcase in Tampa, Fla.
"He's an excellent player. He's a leader and helps the team and can play anywhere on the field," Rattlers manager Gary Brunner said in an interview with the Antelope Valley Press.

"Joel is a quality player who should be playing at a higher level, especially Division I, that where he needs to be."

Scouts from Europe, Major League Soccer and United Soccer League Division I and II teams will be on hand at the U-23 Showcase, looking for top quality players to bring to the next level.

"Gary said it is one of the better college showcases," Gunterman said. "It has a lot of good scouts from inside and outside the country so I'm pretty excited about it."
Brunner said he expects Gunterman to be a defender at the next level.

"As a defensive player he's more valuable," Brunner said. "He's got a great ability to handle the ball, judge the game and his leadership."

Gunterman played high school soccer at Lancaster (Calif.) High, before heading to College of the Canyons (Calif.) in Palmdale for two years, before KWU coach Mike Dibbini got him to come to Kansas Wesleyan, where he spent two years as a Coyote earning First Team All-KCAC honors twice, and was named All-Region and Honorable Mention All-American in 2005.

He will complete his degree in Athletic Training this December and will assist Dibbini with the Coyotes this fall.

"My goal is to try and keep in the sport whether is playing or coaching," Gunterman said. "I want to try to keep playing as long as I can."

ABOUT THE USL
As United Soccer Leagues starts its third decade of operation, soccer at all levels continues to grow in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean. The largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community.  The USL First Division and Second Division (North American men’s professional soccer), the USL Premier Development League (U23 North American men’s amateur), the USL W-League (North American women’s amateur), the USL Super-20 League (U20 North American men’s and women’s amateur) and the USL Super Y-League (North American boy’s and girl’s elite youth amateur) have provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams since 1986.  This vision and commitment to develop a soccer nation by fans, investors, administrators, coaches, and players has created the foundation for the growth of the sport, while presenting affordable, exciting family entertainment in over 100 cities and towns on the continent.  

ABOUT THE PDL
The top U23 men’s amateur league in North America lives in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the development ground for elite players. The 2007 campaign features a 63-team format within four conferences, consisting of 16 regular season matches, 8 home and 8 away. The schedule is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and various exhibitions. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.

 -- KWU SI --

Cameron Parkinson of the Antelope Valley Press contributed to this article