MLS INSIDER, presented by adidas: “A Keeper's Odyssey”
MLS instituted its Homegrown Player initiative during the 2006-07 offseason. It has become one of the most important parts of the American developmental system, but Homegrown signings were few and far between in the early days, both in number and in contribution.
The league's second Homegrown signing, Houston Dynamo goalkeeper
Tyler Deric
, had an even tougher road than most to crack the starting lineup. Signed at age 20 and stuck behind All-Stars
Pat Onstad
and
Tally Hall
, Deric saw scant playing time from 2009-11 and by his own admission never adjusted to a professional lifestyle off the field, "treating [himself] like a normal 20- or 21-year-old" rather than a pro athlete.
An off-field incident in 2012 - Deric was arrested outside a nightclub while sticking up for a black teammate, Warren Creavalle, who was prevented from entering; charges were later dismissed - turned out to be the "kick in the butt" that Deric needed.
Rededicating himself off the field, Deric became a key contributor during the Dynamo's CONCACAF Champions League and Open Cup campaigns, and when his chance came to start in MLS play after an injury to Hall last August, Deric took full advantage.
Now the No. 1 goalkeeper for his hometown team and winner of three Save of the Week awards already in 2015 (
pending the result of Week 13's contest
), Deric is one of Major League Soccer's surprise stories, a testament to learning from mistakes and rebounding stronger.
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WATCH the previous episodes from the 2015 MLS Insider season below:
May 28: Stars share insight on what it takes to be a 'Free Kick Artist'
May 21: For blood and country: Blas Perez find playing both hero and villain
May 7: At home in Toronto, Sebastian Giovinco rises to meet club expectations
April 30: How Scottish international Shaun Maloney sparks the Chicago Fire
April 23: Sacha Kljestan's career comes full circle with New York Red Bulls
April 16: The magic of Mix Diskerud comes to New York City
April 9: Beards, tattoos and the art of defending the Timbers Army
March 8: Two debuts -- Kaka vs. David Villa opens 2015 season
Feb. 28: For love of the team - how the champion LA Galaxy conquered MLS
