Aug. 3, 2006
BELLINGHAM, Wash. -
JOE SUNNEN, THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
One of the first lessons Ben Dragavon learned after signing a contract to play professional soccer was always watch your shoes.
The Seattle Sounders, it seems, have a roster full of pranksters.
"A lot of these guys like to take shoes," Dragavon said in a phone interview. "The rookies have to wear suits on road trips, and walking around the airport with a suit on and one shoe is kind of embarrassing."
An embarrassing stroll through an airport terminal is something Dragavon will gladly take for the chance to play professional soccer. The former Western Washington University standout signed on as a backup goalkeeper with the Sounders on July 20th.
He hasn't played in a game yet this season, but he's optimistic he'll get the chance. For now he's adjusting to the pace of professional soccer and rehabilitating an injury. Dragavon is signed through the remainder of the season. He replaces former backup goalie James Ward.
"The pace is so much faster," Dragavon said. "It doesn't look like it, but on the field it really is. Guys can do stuff out there with a soccer ball that I've never seen."
Seattle plays in the United Soccer Leagues First Division, the USL's highest level of professional soccer in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The Sounders, winners of the USL First Division title last year, are 7-11-4 this season.
"There's a lot of really supportive guys on the team," Dragavon said. "They've been helping me through it."
Dragavon was invited to play in an exhibition game by the Sounders in Mount Vernon in late May, but an injury kept him from officially trying out with the team. When the call came offering him a deal it was a surprise.
"I had planned on trying out for the Sounders, but because I was injured I wasn't going to do it until next season," Dragavon said. "I guess my name was still being thrown around a little bit."
Dragavon plans on finishing up his degree during the winter quarter, but leaves Western as the school's all-time leader in career shutouts with 18 and ranked second in games played with 76. His goals against average per game is 1.38, third best in school history.
"I feel like I'm improving everyday," Dragavon said. "After this season, hopefully they'll keep me around for next year. We'll see. At least I've kind of got my foot in the door at this level. That always looks good on a resume."
