Howlan outlines his upcoming tryout at MLS Combine

At the peak or end of your college soccer career, you look forward to getting invited to the Combine. Getting the opportunity for professional scouts to possibly recruit you is a motivating feeling.
They may want to see you in a few different positions, so it's possible you can play two, three or even four different positions. They want to see how versatile you can be, so it is important to be able to perform at each position.
The Combine puts all dynamics of a soccer game into three days. Within these three days, coaches get a better look at what you can really do. They know what you have done throughout your college career, so getting this extra look can really help you move on to the next level.
The first day consists of meeting the other players. You get to introduce yourself to some coaches and you get to adjust to the time change and the weather. Getting comfortable with the situation is an important step in order to play at your highest level. The first practice is all about the tests: timed speed drills, 40 yard dash, shuffle sprints and back peddle to a forward sprint test. The coaches look at these tests for many reasons. If they are struggling between two players, these tests can determine which player would possibly be better. The tests can surprise coaches and can make you more noticeable.
The second and third days are all about playing. Everyone gets split up into four teams and you scrimmage. The coaches want to see what you can do in a game situation.
This "tryout" is very competitive and the atmosphere is all business. Everyone is fighting for their own benefit. It's important to have a serious mentality or you may not be taken seriously. There are 60 other players that are there trying to prove that they are better. Most of these players already know that they are going into the Superdraft, the selection process to get into the MLS, so playing your best soccer is crucial. At the end of the third day, you are free to go. Essentially you just sit and wait to see if your name is going to be called in the draft.
The Combine is important for the coaches and the players. It's a chance to play professionally. It could potentially be your desired career down the line.
Jan. 6-8, 2010 in Stafford, Florida, the soccer Combine occurs. The anticipation is nerve-wracking and the biggest names in college soccer will be there to show the MLS what they have. I will be there with seven other seniors from this year's squad.