Woodbridge Local Athlete Makes it Big in Chicago

When Woodbridge native Andrew Dykstra signed a contract with MLS team Chicago Fire during the 2009 season, veteran player Jon Busch was the first choice goalkeeper. Then, in a shock move before the start of the 2010 season, the Fire waived Busch and Dykstra was given the starting goalie job.

Dykstra played soccer at both Woodbridge Middle School and Osbourn Park High School before going on to play at Virginia Commonwealth University, and many former teammates are very proud of his accomplishments.

During his time at Osbourn Park High School, Dykstra was voted "Most Athletic" his senior year.

"I knew he was very good, and physically he certainly fit in as a professional player, but you can never be certain someone will make it," said Thomas DiNuzzo, who played with Dykstra in both middle and high school. "Having said that, I am not surprised at all. Andrew has a great work ethic and when you have that as a foundation, anything is possible."

Coincidentally, Dykstra did not have to wait long to return home. In the fourth game of the 2010 season, the Fire came to the nation's capital to play D.C. United. After starting out the season with two losses and a tie, the Fire won 2-0 against United, and Dykstra made three saves to assist the team to a win. He also played a big part in Brian McBride's goal, with his long pass finding the striker's head in the 90^th minute.

"Its awesome to think that a guy who grew up in the same neighborhood as you is now on TV playing professionally," said Mike DiNuzzo, the younger of the two DiNuzzo bothers, who also played with Dykstra for one season at Osbourn Park. "He's such a down-to-earth guy and truly worked his butt off to get where he is today. It really is a great feeling to watch someone like that make it to the top."

Many of Dykstra's former teammates credit him with helping them become better players themselves.

"Andrew was probably one of the best team mates I had," said CJ Gehin-Scott, who played with Dykstra for one year at Osbourn Park and two years in college. "He took me under his wing when I first got to VCU and really helped me adjust. Having him behind me for two years was a real privilege."

The DiNuzzo brothers also remember how Dykstra helped with their progression.

"I loved playing against Andrew in practice because it was a challenge," said Thomas. "If you scored on him you knew that you had to work for it because he was such a good keeper. Playing against players like Andrew brings out the best in surrounding players because it raises the level of competition at practice."

"It was frustrating. It seemed like he could stop anything," Mike said. "I remember when we were taking penalties on him when he had his cast on one of his arms and he was still blocking our shots."

Mike also credits Dykstra's adept skills as a integral part of building his own confidence.

"His size and athleticism made it seem like he could always cover every inch of the goal. His ability gave me confidence," said Mike. "If I got beat, there still was a good chance that Andrew wasn't going to."

Due to their experience with Dykstra's positive attitude and strong work ethic, former teammates are sure that he will succeed in the future. According to Thomas Dinuzzo, "one way or another this is only the start of a long career in professional soccer for him."

For highlights of Dykstra's April 17 game against D.C. United, visit http://chitv.neulion.com/mlsvp/.