Many Americans might tell you that it's been 40 years since anything worthwhile has come out of England. That after the Beatles, things really went downhill. First they sent us David Bowie, then Mr. Bean and after that the Spice Girls.
But now they've finally got it right again. This summer, England shipped the University at Buffalo an 18-year-old soccer player that we might not be so willing to give back, at least not anytime soon.
Freshman forward Lee Catchpole joined the UB men's soccer team this season and has made a tremendous contribution so far. Not only is Catchpole tied for first in points with eight, and second on the team in goals with three, Catchpole is also the first Bulls' soccer player to win MAC player of the week honors since 2001.
Sounds promising, right? Well it was until last Friday night when Catchpole broke his right ankle in the Bulls 1-0 double overtime loss to Oneonta. What does this mean for the Bulls? Well, Catchpole remains optimistic.
"We definitely have a shot at winning the MAC," Catchpole commented.
Aside from simply adjusting to new American soccer lingo, Catchpole's transition to UB life has been nothing but smooth.
"Wilko (Catchpole's roommate, sophomore midfielder Matt Wilkinson) and I have a laugh," said Catchpole. "It's just continuous banter, everyone is getting on each other's back. You take it and you give it. It's pretty much what goes on, on every team. It's good fun."
Although, the American style of soccer is more aggressive than what Catchpole grew up accustomed to in England, he has been able to capitalize on his strengths.
"Back home it is a bit more technical but here everyone is a real good athlete, really quick and stronger players I think," Catchpole said. "It's more physical, all the players are athletes."
Priding himself on his on strong ball handling skills, as well as his ability to find channels in opposing defenses, Catchpole has taken his newfound fame with modesty.
"It was good," Catchpole said, on being named the MAC player of the week two weeks ago. "We wouldn't get singled out like that at home."
Catchpole's decision to come to the Queen City was a result of head coach John Astudillo's aggressive recruiting tactics. Astudillo flew to England last year to watch Catchpole play. His trip impressed Catchpole and convinced him to become a part of the Bulls' 2004 team.
"I figured, he had come all this way now, I should return the favor," joked Catchpole.
Other than the setback of his ankle injury, Catchpole's Buffalo experience has been a positive one. Although he misses playing cricket, Catchpole has made the best of his experience and has tried to learn more about American sports.
"I've been watching football and I would like to watch a Bills game live," said Catchpole. "But I have also been keeping tabs on what's going on back home."
Although UB soccer fans probably won't see Catchpole back in action this season, his playing days are far from over. Catchpole's already excited about getting back on the field.
"I want to become stronger in the box and stronger at finishing," he said.
Until then Catchpole hopes to contribute to the team by watching game film as well as simply continuing to enjoy life at UB.
"I'm looking into going skiing when I get this thing off," said Catchpole, referring to his cast. "I've never experienced snow the way you get it in Buffalo."
Catchpole will be cheering on his teammates in Akron tonight when the Bulls face the Zips, looking for their first MAC win this season.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
