Kev rubs shoulders in US with Beckham

Souter living American dream

FROM Portsoy to the multi-million dollar MLS, former Aberdeen youngster Kevin Souter always dreamed big.

But the midfielder’s career looked over when he was dumped by then Dons boss Steve Paterson in 2004.

Shellshocked, Kevin spent a short spell at Highland League club Buckie Thistle before quitting Scotland for the States.

The 24-year-old now competes in glamour games against the likes of £25 million-a-year star David Beckham.

In contrast, the former Dons trainee only earns annual wages of just £7,000 with Kansas City Wizards, but has £32m Argentinian star Claudio Lopez as a team-mate.

Kevin spoke to us ahead of Wizards’ Eastern Conference semi-final play-off against Columbus Crew later today.

By Sean Wallace

Published:

THE WAY WE WERE: Kevin in action for the Dons against Dundee in 2004.

CITY STAR: Portsoy-born Kevin Souter in enjoying life at Kansas City Wizards.

GLAD TIDINGS: Kevin Souter shakes hands with Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham.

FROM Portsoy to the multi-million dollar MLS, former Aberdeen youngster Kevin Souter always dreamed big.

But the midfielder’s career looked over when he was dumped by then Dons boss Steve Paterson in 2004.

Shellshocked, Kevin spent a short spell at Highland League club Buckie Thistle before quitting Scotland for the States.

The 24-year-old now competes in glamour games against the likes of £25 million-a-year star David Beckham.

In contrast, the former Dons trainee only earns annual wages of just £7,000 with Kansas City Wizards, but has £32m Argentinian star Claudio Lopez as a team-mate.

Kevin spoke to us ahead of Wizards’ Eastern Conference semi-final play-off against Columbus Crew later today.

Q You made your MLS debut in the 2-0 win over LA Galaxy against David Beckham. How was it?

A Surreal, as he was my hero as a kid and it was just so bizarre to be out there on the same pitch as him. We won 2-0 and as I was walking towards the tunnel after the game I looked over my shoulder. Beckham was there just behind me, coming off the pitch and I thought ‘how many chances am I going to get like this, to talk to a player I had admired so much?’

So I went up to him, shook his hand and talked to him. Beckham is quite a shy person and softly spoken, but he was very friendly even though LA had lost. I asked if we could swap shirts, but unfortunately he had already promised it to a young kid. That was my MLS debut, and to run out on the same pitch as Beckham was a million miles away from playing in the Highland League with Buckie.

The coaches told me to go out there and enjoy myself and I did. For my first game, I felt really good.

Q Were you bitter at being dumped by the Dons four years ago?

A I was a little bitter yes, and I took it hard because being released was a shock to the system. I felt I had played well, especially towards the end of the season, so it was a real blow to be released. Ultimately, I just had to accept it and let the disappointment go. After that, I moved to Buckie Thistle and started to enjoy my football again, but I still had to assess my long term options. I really enjoyed my time at Buckie as they are a great bunch of lads and a well run team, but I just felt that I needed more. So I decided to try my luck in America and haven’t looked back since. Being released by Aberdeen was a blessing in disguise. For now I will just continue to play for Wizards and hopefully win another contract next year and keep this dream going.

Q Has playing alongside Claudio Lopez helped to improve your game?

A Definitely, because I can learn so much from a player of that calibre just by watching what he does in training and in matches. Claudio is our designated player and may be coming to the latter stages of his career, but he is still a fantastic talent who can take control of games and turn them. The fact that at one point he was the most expensive player in the world is testament to just how talented he is. But there are many more great players at Wizards such as Carlos Marinelli, who was at Middlesbrough, and USA internationals Jack Wolff and Jimmy Conrad.

Q How is Wizards’ season progressing, are there any chances of claiming silverware?

A It has been successful so far, and we are looking to reach the next round of the MLS Cup after progressing through the play-offs. But it will be tough as we face Columbus Crew later today in the second leg and they finished top of the league. We drew 1-1 with Columbus in the first leg in front of a huge sell out crowd and the atmosphere was fantastic.

Q How does football in the MLS compare to the Scottish game you left behind?

A People like Beckham have done so much to further the game over here, and it is definitely taking off. The MLS is a high standard and there are large crowds coming along to the games. America’s ability to lure top players like Beckham and Lopez just proves that there is good football being played. I loved my time playing for both Aberdeen and Buckie Thistle, but the standard of life over here in America is fantastic. I love my football, the weather and have really settled down now. Whether I stay here permanently is too early to say, but I am certainly having a great time.