Just three minutes into his first MLS game, rookie midfielder Michael Harrington made his presence known in the biggest way possible.
His goal against D.C. United at RFK Stadium gave the Kansas City Wizards a jumpstart in what would be an eventual 4-2 victory and ideal beginning to their season. The goal also forced Harrington into the record book as the scorer of the fastest goal in league history by a player making his debut -- and forced out a legend, D.C. United's own Jaime Moreno.
"That's really cool. Jaime's been one of the most successful players in league history as far as scoring," said the 21-year-old Harrington. "It's a great feeling to have a record like that. It was only fitting that I scored it at D.C. too."
Harrington is used to firsts. He was one of the original nine players selected to enter the U.S. under-17 national team's residency program in Bradenton, Fla. He then went on to represent the USA at the 2003 FIFA Under-17 World Championships in Finland.
Part prodigy, part product of the system, the Wizards first-round draft choice (third overall) in this past January's MLS SuperDraft is confident and thinking big.
"I want to be Rookie of the Year -- that's a big goal I have," he said.
And who can blame him? The University of North Carolina product, drafted by the Wizards as a solution at right back, has been successful no matter what position he has played.
With the U-17s, he was a striker, then an outside midfielder. Playing in his first year at Carolina, Harrington made the Atlantic Coast Conference's all-freshman team. A second-team all-ACC selection came his junior year when he starred at left back. In his senior year, he was a 2006 Hermann Trophy candidate and a first-team NSCAA/adidas all-region selection. And in between, he made the U-20 national team.
In preseason, Harrington claimed the left midfield spot opened when Dutchman Dave van den Bergh was traded to the New York Red Bulls during the 2007 MLS SuperDraft for a third-round supplemental draft pick. Many fans were surprised by the deal and wondered what the Wizards were thinking.
"We wanted to add players who have a little bit of a spark," said new Wizards head man Curt Onalfo, referring to Harrington's pace and high work rate. "Harrington has done very well."
On Saturday, Harrington's versatility and tactical awareness were evident as he attacked with skill - shown in a 60th-minute cross for Sasha Victorine - and pace. But he often did the little things well too, as in the 50th minute when he provided cover for center back Jimmy Conrad.
Racing to a ball played by Moreno into the Wizards penalty area for reigning MLS MVP Christian Gomez, Harrington twisted and turned shoulder-to-shoulder with Gomez and safely ushered the ball over the end line to calmly extinguish the threat.
As talented and experienced as Harrington is, he is keeping his feet on the ground while speeding ahead.
"[I want to] play as much as I can this season and help the team as much as I can in whatever role I'm playing whether it's starting or whatever," Harrington said, "I need to stay humble and realize that you can't let your foot of the pedal at all because if you get too comfortable and come out the next game thinking it's easy, you can fly back. I want to keep progressing, keep getting better each game and continue to have success from here on."
Harrington was one of two rookies in the starting team in Saturday's opener, along with Aaron Hohlbein, who started in central defense in place of the suspended Nick Garcia. The Wizards braintrust is also ensuring their feet remain firmly on the ground, especially after just one professional game.
"I think they did very well. Just like any young players, there are things we could have done better, and we'll work on that," Onalfo said. "But we want to make sure they continue to get time on the field."
The Wizards coaching staff and veteran players, whose daily doses of advice Harrington is very thankful for, will continue to mold the youngster to help him on his way. Clearly, they believe he is capable of achieving his goals. And belief is spreading.
"Last week ... I had a word with [Toronto FC midfielder and 2007 No. 1 overall pick] Maurice Edu. ... I said, 'You're my pick for rookie of the year,'" said Fox Soccer Channel broadcaster Max Bretos during the national cablecast of Saturday's opener. "Maurice, if you're listening, I may have to change my vote two weeks in because Harrington has been spectacular."
Bob Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
