Hollis handed MLS opportunity
Hamilton Parish winger Shayne Hollis has been granted the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of domestic and international scouts and professional coaches at next month’s MLS Combine Draft in Florida.Hollis is one of only four players based in Canada chosen by the CIS Men’s Soccer Coaches Association to attend next month’s draft to be held at the IMG Academy in Bradenton January 25-27. It is the first time Canadian players have been afforded a chance to represent the CIS Men’s Soccer Association in the draft.The 23-year-old Bermudian, who is currently in his senior year at Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia where he is studying sports and community studies, hopes to catch the eye of a MLS team at the upcoming draft.“I think the MLS is a growing league and hopefully I can make a team and get some experience to go further,” Hollis said. “I’m definitely excited and been working hard for a long, long time to get an opportunity like this. My coach (Robbie Chiasson) is talking to my school (athletic department) to see if they can cover all the cost for me to go.”A total of 102 elite players are to be selected for the MLS Combine Draft.Hollis and his Cape Breton University team mates are fresh off an impressive season which saw them claim the silver medal after finishing runners up in the national championship following a 1-0 loss to University of British Columbia in the final. It is the Capers best showing at the national championship having won the bronze last year.The Capers, who compiled an overall 11-4-4 record during the regular season, advanced to the national championship after winning the AUS Men’s Soccer Championship courtesy of a 2-0 win against University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.“We won our championship to advance to the national championships involving all the first and second place teams from all the other divisions in Canada,” Hollis said. “We came second so it was definitely a huge success for the smallest school by far in the competition. No Cape Breton University men’s football team has ever got a silver medal before.”Hollis was the Capers’ leading goal scorer last season with seven goals and was also selected to the AUS All Star Team.The former North Village player is one of two Bermudian footballers on the Capers’ roster, the other being Tarreko Wilson.Domestic league action resumes tonight when Dudley Eve champions Somerset Trojans travel to Goose Gosling Field (BAA) to take on struggling Flanagan’s Onions who are currently on a four-game losing skid in a Premier Division clash.Premier action continues tomorrow with North Village Rams hosting Robin Hood at Bernard Park, Wolves welcome defending league champs Dandy Town to the Den while PHC are at home to St George’s Colts at Southampton Oval.Tomorrow will also see five First Division matches on tap.Second placed St David’s Warriors will be looking to regain top spot from leaders Hamilton Parish who have a bye this weekend when they host Crossroads Warriors at Lords.Elsewhere, Boulevard host Prospect United at Goose Gosling Field while Young Men’s Social Club will be favoured to come away with maximum points against lowly Ireland Rangers at Bernard Park. Devonshire Colts will also go into their clash with winless Paget Lions at Police Field as firm favourites to come away with all the spoils while Somerset Eagles and BAA will lock horns in a potentially exciting contest at White Hill Field.