In contrast to Kohler, Kelly can only make it to Italy for the start of training camp. Though competing ostensibly for the same job, Kelly and Kohler will likely not be seen side-by-side until the summer.

As for Kohler's claim to that spot, the road from Ohiri Field to a potential slot on the pitch at the Meadowlands has been a long one, but his credentials suggest that he is ready to make the transition. Kohler's career stats are solid, with 28 goals and 26 assists since he arrived from his high school club team F.C. Delco, but his final year was a breakout season: nine goals (including a team-leading five-game-winners), ten assists and a stately procession to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Such performances earned Kohler a trip to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and to the Umbro Classic, the NCAA's senior all-star game--the half-time "entertainment" of which was the first round of draft selections.

"Going down [to Florida], I had no idea what the whole experience would be about," Kohler says. "I was hoping I would get drafted, and I thought I might even be a first-round pick, but I'm happy the way everything turned out."

Kohler had been sounded out by both the Metrostars and the New England Revolution prior to the draft, so he had an idea who might be interested in choosing him--but in the end, he didn't find out his status until he returned to Logan Airport on Sunday. The draft had moved into a hotel conference room that morning, and Kohler was made the fifth selection of twenty on the second and final day.

Being drafted more or less means that Kohler's spot on the Metrostars' roster is secure for now. The club is taking 24 prospective players to Italy; ultimately, all MLS rosters have to be reduced to 20 players, of which no more than five can be foreigners.

"[New York-New Jersey] is a good organization to be a part of," Locker says. "I spoke with one of their front office people, and their management is sound, so from that standpoint I was pleased for Will."

And for a player who grew up loving the fast-paced, ball-to-feet style of Brazilian samba soccer, the chance to play under Parreira is a dream come true. Kohler may just have found a niche in the brave new world of American soccer--come this summer, he'll have a very real chance to keep it.

The Obstacles Between...

KOHLER AND THE MLS

* Roster Cut to 20 players

* Increased number of foreign players allowed per roster (from four in 1996 to five)

* A midfield including World Cup stars Roberto Donadoni and Tab Ramos

* Duke star Brian Kelly (first-round pick of the Metrostars) --DK