Levesque Carrying USL Success to MLS

• MLSnet.com , Wednesday, October 7, 2009 4:30 PM

After six years playing professional soccer, Roger Levesque finally scored his first goal in an MLS league match, in Seattle's 1-0 victory over Columbus. Levesque's reaction, or lack of it, recalled a player who had done it before. It makes sense then that Levesque has scored plenty of goals for Seattle, most while playing for the USL-1 version of the Seattle Sounders FC, which Levesque joined on loan from the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003 before officially signing for the team in 2006. Levesque helped lead Seattle to two USL-1 titles before the team joined the MLS this season.

While playing in the USL, Levesque never planned on making it back to MLS. "As far as the MLS thing goes, I never really thought I would have that opportunity again," Levesque said. "I was happy in Seattle and happy playing at the level that we were at. It was always exciting to win championships at the USL level, and make runs in the Open Cup. I was happy to do that. When the MLS opportunity came along, it was a good feeling and I wanted to give it another shot, and obviously stay in Seattle. I feel pretty fortunate that it worked out that way. Had MLS not come to Seattle I definitely don't think I would be in this spot now."

In the last month, Levesque has scored two big goals for his club. In addition to netting the game-winner against the Crew, which put Seattle on the brink of earning a playoff berth, Levesque also scored the game-winner against D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup final. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid is happy that Levesque, 28, decided to stick around despite sacrificing much of the playing time Levesque got used to in the USL. Schmid praises Levesque's workmanlike character and selfless attitude. "The hardest part of it for someone at Roger's age is to go from being a starter in the USL to being a player coming off the bench in MLS," Schmid said. "A lot of guys at his age don't want to do that anymore. They'd rather start and just play USL and forget about MLS. It's really a tribute to Roger's character, and I think it gives you insight into the kind of person he is."

 

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