Back page Dom Dwyer is an inspiration to many college soccer players looking to go all the way in the sport.
The newly signed Orlando City forward, just 26-years-old, is achieving so much in America, and his route to the top is very different to most.
Born in England, he failed to reach the professional ranks in his birth country having come through the Norwich City Academy system.
The path he subsequently took is one that is becoming much more common for British athletes who miss the cut.
Dwyer chose to pursue a soccer scholarship in the United States and his decision couldn’t have worked out any better, gaining a first-class degree whilst also being successful in soccer.
Winning numerous awards for his performances in the college game, he was making a name for himself and because of his achievements in the collegiate system he went on to the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft.
In America he has always been seen as a player who has an extremely good work-ethic on the field. His energy and the ability to scare defenders with an excellent left foot are what make him successful in front of goal.
Sporting Kansas City saw the potential of the Englishman and he was picked 16th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.
His first year in professional soccer saw him get used to the pace; with a stuttering start to his career was Dwyer ever going to succeed in the pro game?
A loan spell at Orlando City, who at the time were in the United Soccer League (USL) at this time, which is another professional league in America, gave Dwyer a chance to showcase his abilities.
Of course, he didn’t fail, and his performances led to a Sporting Kansas City recall as they saw his ability to score goals.
Since 2012, Dwyer has gone on to play over 100 games in the MLS and score more than 50 goals; his consistency as a forward has made him one of the best in the competition.
Each season Dwyer seems to be getting even better, and having been granted citizenship in the United States he was called up to the national team earlier this year.
His early performances in at international level have been met with plaudits thanks to scoring twice in his first two games for Bruce Arena’s side.
Dwyer’s international debut for the United States demonstrated the qualities he possesses, and he impressed the home fans while wearing the number 14 shirt (where have we seen that shirt number before?!).
With a cracking left foot volley he scored his first international goal on his first appearance.
Taking into account that they played against a strong Ghanaian team, he caused the defence many problems and could have scored more in a game he heavily influenced.
On July 25rh, Dwyer signed for Orlando City SC in a record MLS trade deal; Orlando have apparently got their star man for a fee that could rise up to $1.6 million.
The club who helped him in his first steps as a professional from Sporting Kansas City has re-gained an exciting player to play alongside the Brazilian legend Kaka, and he is sure to help Orlando rise to the top of the MLS in years to come.
To top it off, Dwyer will be a part of the MLS All-Star team that will play host to Real Madrid this week.
His achievements and rewards are part of a dream story that so many will see as an inspiration, and life off the field has been just as good.
In 2015, he married Sydney Leroux, who also plays professional soccer and for the US Women’s National Team, and a year later they they announced the birth of their son, before Dwyer became a US citizen this year.
Dom Dwyer has certainly worked hard to make his way to the professional game and epitomises the “American Dream” by making the most of his opportunities in the US.
This will no doubt act as inspiration for many young athletes from Britain hoping to follow in the same footsteps.
