John Barry Nusum is expected to be a man in demand when he joins the cream of US college soccer players at a prestigious tournament early next year.

The Furman College striker, who is back on the Island for the Christmas celebrations, will be joined by team-mate Matt Goldsmith at the 2002 Umbro Select College All-Star Classic.

The competition takes place between February 6 and 11 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A total of 32 men's college seniors have been selected to the participate in the weekend's activities which will take place in front of Major League Soccer scouts.

“This is a tremendous honour for both John Barry and Matt,” said Furman head coach Doug Allison. “I expect that both will have excellent professional careers and this all-star weekend will give them an opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Nusum is the most decorated soccer player in Furman history. He recently became the second Furman athlete to be named first team All-American three years in a row. He was also one of the three finalists for the Hermann Trophy and is Furman's all-time leading scorer with 61 goals, 39 assists, and 161 points in his career.

Nusum, who is registered with Wolves here in Bermuda, says he hopes to be in action for Dennis Brown's men over the next few weeks.

However, he believes tonight's Dudley Eve clash against PHC at Devonshire Rec. (7.00 p.m.) will come too soon after his arrival on the Island.

Despite being away in North Carolina, Nusum keeps a regular check on how the men in black and gold are getting on.

“I always look out for Wolves to see how they are doing throughout the season and hope they are playing in the Dudley Eve when I come back. I think all the college students do,” he said.

Wolves are currently second in the table behind tonight's opponents on goal difference only and Nusum says he believes they have it within them to bring home some silverware this season.

“I hope so. I don't know everything that has been happening, but so far so good,” he said.

Tonight's second match pits Devonshire Cougars against Devonshire Colts at 9.00 p.m.

Parking inside the ground is restricted to players and officials, but Prospect Primary School field will be available for a small fee. Gymnasium field and Cedarbridge Academy are also open for parking.

On Sunday, December 23 the winners of tonight's games will meet at St. John's Field at 12.30 p.m. with the victors going into the two-legged final on December 30 and January 1.

At 2.30 p.m. tonight's losers face each other, the winners of that tie having a second chance to make it to the final via the Boxing Day elimination game.

The HWP car park, adjacent to the field, is reserved for players and officials but Berkeley School field is available to fans.

On December 26 there will be two under-nine games at Somerset Cricket Club at 1.00 p.m. featuring North Village and Boulevard and PHC against Dandy Town. The do-or-die clash for the second spot in the Dudley Eve final will follow.

The first leg of the final will be played at the Southampton Oval on Sunday, December 30 at 2.30 p.m. and will follow an under-nines match between North Village and Hamilton Parish at 1.00 p.m.

New Year's Day will see the second leg of the final at Wellington Oval with a 2.30 p.m. kick-off. Two under-nine matches involving St. David's against St. George's Colts and Wolves against Crossroads will precede the main event.