The last six weeks have provided a real education for FC Dallas goalkeeper Ray Burse. But that education hasn't been limited to solely between the lines.
To be sure, there has been some real on-field learning. Burse made his competitive debut for FC Dallas on July 24 in SuperLiga against CD Guadalajara, and has started five games in all competitions.
Then on August 26, Burse traveled back to Ohio State University to receive his degree in American History. Burse had shuttled back and forth between Frisco and Columbus in April and May on off days to attend class, and then took correspondence courses from OSU along with classes at a Dallas-area institution.
"It (the last six weeks) were pretty hectic," Burse said. "With school coming to close, I had a lot of things that I had to get done. Playing required me to spend a lot more time with soccer but in the end, while it was going on, it was very busy but after it was over, it was very rewarding. It was one of the best times in my life."
Burse's soccer career took a change for the better on July 24 -- when in a lecture hall. He was in class when FCD head coach Steve Morrow left him a message that he would likely start for the Hoops that night.
Burse left the lecture hall to check his messages and learned about his first start. He then called Morrow back and got the news firsthand. His next two calls were to his girlfriend and family to give them the good news. He admits it was hard to focus on his studies after getting the good news and about 15 minutes later during a class break, he decided to leave early and start preparing for the game.
On the field, Burse was rock-solid, making five saves and allowing just one goal, a controversial tally that came after a handball by a Chivas player went uncalled as FCD played the Mexican side to a 1-1 draw.
His league debut came August 4 against Colorado as he made three saves in a 1-0 shutout. He was also in goal for FCD's 2-1 win in the an Open Cup quarterfinal against the Charleston Battery three days later. Burse made three league starts, allowing an average of just one goal per game as FCD won two of those contests.
But while he was starting, the young 'keeper admits that dividing his time between soccer and school was tough.
"It was all about managing the time between the two," he said. "Soccer will always come first because that's my job, but juggling my free time was tough. The other players got to go home after practice and lounge around but I had to work on a paper, read something or take a test. That was the hardest part for me."
Burse admits that once he got his degree, it not only gave him a sense of accomplishment, but also lifted a big weight off his shoulders.
"Once it was done, it was pretty much a relief," he said. "My parents aren't hounding me any more about it and I don't have any papers or anything else weighing me down."
Yet Burse said there is no guarantee he won't be in class when he gets that next call from Morrow to inform him he is the starter.
"Hopefully (I won't be in class when that happens) but I don't know," he said. "I plan to start graduate school soon, so maybe I will be (in class). I probably want to teach history. I really haven't decided which age group or grade I want to teach but that is definitely in my plans for the future."
Last week, Burse got another nice bonus when Morrow moved him up from the developmental to senior roster. A spot became available when the retirement of Shaka Hislop was finalized last week.
Originally a third-round pick (30th overall) in the 2006 SuperDraft, Burse has noticed big changes in himself since coming to the league about a year and a half ago.
"In the last year and a half, I have paid a lot more attention to detail," he said. "I use every opportunity I have to learn. That has helped me gain a lot of knowledge in a position where knowledge is key. I've been able to overcome a lot just by paying more attention to detail."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
