Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS the team. There's a lot that can hap- pen, but right now I would say Notre Dame has a lot of talent in the league right now. It's a really exciting time for Notre Dame soccer alumni." Much of that excitement stems from the work of Clark, who has led the Irish since 2001. During his 13 seasons, Notre Dame has reached the NCAA Tournament 12 times, produced seven Academic All-Americans and 16 MLS Draft picks since 2008. "It's great what Matt Besler has done. He's really fulfilled his potential as a soccer player," Clark said. "I want the last guy on the squad, the guy that doesn't really play, who's almost just a practice player, to leave and say, 'Notre Dame was one of the best deci- sions I made because I was part of a great team and got a great education and became a better person.' That's what Notre Dame sells." Two Notre Dame alumni regularly mentioned by analysts looking ahead to the 2018 World Cup are midfielder Dillon Powers (2009-12), a first-round pick and 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, and Harrison Shipp (2010-13), last year 's ACC Offensive Player of the Year. "They were both Academic All- Americans and regular first-team All- Americans," Clark said. "All three of these guys check all the boxes of be- ing tremendous students here at Notre Dame and being tremendous soccer players. They make great examples for kids. "Dillon had a fantastic rookie year. A friend of mine was watching his game last weekend in Philadelphia and said he was the best player on the field. Harry was a very good player for us, had the great season last year and was key to the success that brought a na- tional championship to Notre Dame." Clark thinks both of his standouts have a chance to play in the next World Cup. "They have to keep working at it day in and day out," Clark said. "Knowing both boys, they have tremendous dis- cipline and tremendous determina- tion. I know they'll give it 100 percent, and it wouldn't surprise me." Clark also listed Toronto FC de- fender Justin Morrow (2006-09) as a name to keep track of in four years. Morrow already has experienced some international play for the men's National Team, just not at the World Cup level. Another example of the program's success is Bright Dike (2005-09), who had a strong chance to represent Nigeria this summer until he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in February. Despite the program's recent acco- lades, which include a national cham- pionship and a player on the U.S. World Cup roster, Clark said the pitch to recruits remains the same. "Notre Dame's going to be a lot more than just about recruiting guys to the national teams and winning," he said. "We want you to look back in 40 years and say, 'Going to Notre Dame was one of the best decisions I made.' That's not just for the guys that make it to the World Cup. "It's about coming here for educa- tion, and we stress that forcibly during the recruiting process." ✦