In the 2007 MLS season, Aaron Pitchkolan made a significant shift. After making his four appearances as a defensive midfielder, his next 12 were all in the center of the Hoops defense.
Entering his fourth season in the league, FC Dallas head coach Steve Morrow offered Pitchkolan a challenge.
"I spoke to him at the end of the season and told him that it's there for him," Morrow said. "He's been on the fringe and has played some games. His ambition this year has got to be to win a starting spot and that's what we hope for him to do."
As the Hoops have begun their preseason preparations over the last week, the early returns have been good for the West Virginia University product.
"He's worked very hard in the offseason and has come back looking very fit and sharp," Morrow said. "That's a credit to him. He'll get his opportunities in the preseason this year. Either way, he'll be an important part of the roster this year."
Now that he is about to enter his fourth season in the league, Pitchkolan admits that his preparation for each coming season does change a bit.
"Yes, my preparation has changed (since I was a rookie)," he said. "Every year, you learn new stuff and want to build on the previous year by taking steps forward and trying to raise your game to a new level and to get better."
Still, one pressing question is where Pitchkolan might fit into the FCD lineup. With Morrow already indicating he could be moving to a 3-5-2 system, newly-signed Mexican defender Duilio Davino would likely be the lone center back, meaning Pitchkolan's place would either be as a backup defender or in the midfield, which is quite crowded with Pablo Ricchetti, Marcelo Saragosa and Adrian Serioux all seeing time as a defensive midfielder a year ago.
However, Pitchkolan remains undaunted.
"Whatever the team thinks and Steve (Morrow) feels is best, I'm willing to do that," he said. "Whether it's as a defender or midfielder, I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field."
But make no mistake, he wants to be a starter for the 2008 Hoops. "Nobody comes into this league wanting to sit on the bench or not play games," Pitchkolan said. "Hopefully I can make that next step. That's definitely why you play the game."
The native of Aurora, Colo. admits that playing in a formation other than the 4-4-2 would definitely be a new experience.
"It (the 3-5-2) is something I'm not too familiar with," Pitchkolan said. "For most of my career, I have played in a 4-4-2. We haven't gone through much formation stuff yet since we're just getting started. I'm sure Steve (Morrow) has a plan for what he wants to do and will explain that to us. We'll be more than willing to learn."
A second-round supplemental pick in 2005, along with forward and roommate Abe Thompson, Pitchkolan is one of only two supplemental picks who has seen considerable time with the FCD first team over the last few years and that's something he's quite proud of.
"I think both of us saw that we could fit into this league somewhere," Pitchkolan said. "I don't think we ever doubted we were capable of playing in this league. Whatever gets you into the league it's kind of irrelevant because once you get in you have to show that you belong."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
