BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Scottish football may be chasing the American dream – but the States’ sole representative in the SPFL is eyeing glory on this side of the Atlantic.
Peterhead midfielder Kevin Dzierzawski, a native of Oakland, Michigan, has followed the news with interest this week as Dundee and Celtic weigh up the prospect of playing a Premiership fixture in the U.S..
Dzierzawski reckons both clubs are to be commended for their inventive thinking and believes Philadelphia would be an inspired choice, with the 69,000 Lincoln Financial Field Stadium mooted.
The 24-year-old said said: “We were chatting about on Wednesday night at training. It is very interesting and, although I don’t know how Philadelphia was chosen, it is an exciting opportunity or those teams.
“It is a chance to play overseas, in front of what is a growing fanbase. The city of Philadelphia is a big football area and it’s within proximity to other big cities. I hope it draws that fans in.
“As someone playing over here, it’s really exciting to see Scottish teams talking about going over to play in America. English Premier League teams regularly go over there and gain exposure, so it’s fantastic to see Scotland look at something like that.”
Dzierzawski, who played college soccer with Dartmouth Big Green before joining Queen in 2012, has his own aspirations to return to the U.S. after lapping up his senior experience in Scotland.
And he believes the MLS is becoming a more attractive option for players on these shores.
He continued: “It’s a growing sport and I think that’s reflected by the amount of players from the U.K. who want to go and play in the USA. I’m the only one that has come in the other direction!
“It is good to go overseas and try to get experience and games under your belt and learn a different culture and style of play. I would love to go back to MLS one day.”
Confidence
Peterhead are looking to rack up another giant-killing when Livingston arrive at Balmoor this afternoon, having already reached the Petrofac Training Cup final this term, eliminating Falkirk in the process.
The Blue Toon are also on the back of a 7-0 win against Cowdenbeath last weekend.
He added: “Everyone loves a cup tie and the cups have been good to us this season. We’ve had some great days in the Petrofac Cup and if we can continue that form, then we will have a chance to do well in the Scottish Cup.
“We know we have good players and we know we are capable of competing with these teams. Falkirk was the case and point for that, and a really good example of what we can achieve when we play at our maximum.
“That can give us the confidence to compete with those teams at that level. We are looking forward to it and, although we’ll take nothing likely, we will approach it with confidence.”
