FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Moving to MLS from a foreign league presents a series of unique challenges above and beyond the typical transfer switch.
In addition to the usual hurdles presented by acclimating to a new culture and bedding into a new side, foreign arrivals must grapple with the extensive travel demands created by crisscrossing North America, the particularly rugged approach in comparison to other championships and the peculiarities of the league structure.
New England forward Ilija Stolica spent his first half-season in Revolution colors coming to grips with his new club and his new league. As he attempts to improve upon his initial return of three goals in 14 matches, he said he believes the opportunity to settle into his new surroundings last year will help him to boost his production in 2011.
“It's a great advantage,” Stolica told MLSsoccer.com earlier this month. “I'm really happy that I've had those few months to adapt, to see and to know what I can expect from this new season. I think it's going to be good not just for me, but for the team. I can give much more.”
[inline_node:318649]In some ways, the circumstances surrounding Stolica's arrival contributed to his lack of sharpness in front of goal. The well-traveled 31-year-old striker joined the Revolution in late July without proceeding through the typical preseason buildup to a new campaign.
Stolica said he soon felt the impact of jumping into the starting 11 halfway through the MLS regular season.
“You can play on your experience – and I certainly have a lot of experience – but there's a point when if you didn't do you preseason and you're not in your top shape, after a few games, you're getting tired,” Stolica said. “It's a normal thing, but now, after the preseason, I'll be ready to start the new one.”
A new start will hopefully lead to more goals from the veteran marksman. Stolica scored upon his full debut – the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Houston on Aug. 14 – but he netted just two further times in league play. With the aid of preseason preparations, the pedigree of a decent goal-scoring record wherever he has landed and the understanding of his new surroundings now in his favor, Stolica believes he can increase his goal haul.
“Now I'm familiar with the league, with the traveling, with the way of playing and with a lot of things,” Stolica said. “I'm really looking forward to start the new season because I think it's going to be good and I also feel that I will show myself in the real light like I was playing before.”
If Stolica can continue to develop his camaraderie with creative fulcrum Marko Perovic and supply the required production to fire the Revs toward for a playoff spot, he said he feels he will have revealed his true quality and showed his gratitude to the people around him for their willingness to help him overcome the hurdles placed in his path last season.
“I think it's my duty to show these people – who have been very great to me and kind to me – what I can do 100 percent,” Stolica said.
