Faced with an injury to Carlos Marinelli for the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinal Series against Chivas USA, Kansas City Wizards head coach Curt Onalfo was faced with a decision on who to slot into the midfield. When the team was announced, the choice was a somewhat surprising one -- rookie Kurt Morsink.
Morsink saw action in 21 games with 10 starts this season, filling in for such respected veterans as Marinelli, Kerry Zavagnin and Sasha Victorine. Against Chivas in the first leg, Morsink played in an advanced central role in front of Zavagnin, and earned high marks from Onalfo for his 72 minutes on the field.
"I thought he was very good. He's a young player who has a lot of years of experience in him; often rookies aren't as savvy as he is. He's a very savvy player [who] knows when to help us manage a game," Onalfo said. "I took him out at the end because he faded a little bit physically, but I thought he had an overall very good performance."
A product of James Madison University, selected in the fourth round (42nd overall) in this year's SuperDraft, Morsink comes from a varied background. Although born in Orlando, Fla., Morsink grew up in the near soccer-only country of Costa Rica, where he lived until he was 16, and holds dual citizenship in both countries.
"In Costa Rica, soccer is king there. ... You play against good players all the time; [they have] a good youth system," said the 23-year-old Morsink. "It's a different style of game there, so I get to see a little bit of both [countries' styles] and put what I learned from both countries and get the best out of it."
That's not to say Morsink hasn't struggled in his first professional season. An MCL sprain, moving between different positions in the midfield and even a suspension to yellow card accumulation have nagged. But the player who came to the U.S. Soccer youth development academy in Bradenton, Fla. as a 16-year-old has come through. Count Zavagnin, his midfield partner last Saturday night, as a fan.
"He's done an outstanding job. It's tough to consider him a rookie now with all the games that he's played," said the playoff-seasoned veteran. "He got his first taste of a playoff game tonight, and I thought he did very well. He's only going to get better as a player; he has a savviness about him that can definitely bring something positive to this team."
That confidence on the ball stems from playing against skilled players on the lots of San Jose in Costa Rica and playing in the center of midfield all his life. But it takes more than poise in the big leagues, and Zavagnin has seen growth in Morsink throughout the season.
"When he first came here, he was so used to the college game in terms of being kind of a one-way player. With the skill and creativity that he has, I can only imagine he was an attacking midfielder in college ...," said Zavagnin. "The way he has been able to develop his defensive game and get in better positions -- that's where he's improved during the course of the year. It's going to take a little bit more, but he's definitely [moving] in the right direction."
Morsink certainly didn't hesitate when given a chance to give credit beyond himself.
"We have great veterans here that help me everyday. Living with [forward] Eddie [Johnson], even though he's young in age has been in the league seven years, helps me a lot," said Morsink, before moving on to Onalfo. "I love that guy. He's a great person; he's a great coach. I respect him, and I want to play for him for the rest of my career if I can."
Morsink's career has clearly gotten off to a strong start. Where, as in what position, it will take him is becoming more clear.
"The coaches told me that in the future, maybe [defensive midfield is the] spot they see [me in]. I'm 23; Carlos is 25. We have a lot of people who can play that attacking role," Morsink said. "So maybe I can keep learning from Kerry, and maybe when Kerry is ready to step down -- I don't think it's any time soon if you ask him. But [I need] to just be able to play that role and be what the team needs."
While Morsink was the choice for the heart of the Wizards midfield against Chivas for the first game, either Victorine or Marinelli, coming off an ankle injury, could slide in there for the second leg.
"I think [the odds are] pretty good [that Marinelli will be ready]. Whether or not he could be in a starting role, we'll have to see. He has recuperated well this past week; at a minimum he should be available as a sub this weekend," Onalfo said.
"[Trusting me to play in the playoffs] means a lot," said Morsink. "It gives me the confidence to do what I have to do and to do whatever it takes to achieve our goal, which is to win the MLS Cup."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
