Wow what an interesting road he travelled! Makes you think about the different national systems as well. No system is perfect at identifying everyone, at all ages and levels. And for Lukas, you would think the path he chose (full architecture degree & just playing Cdn university soccer) would be suicide for his footy career. But instead he'll be able to have a nice stint playing out his dream, earn some money in MLS -- and already have his completed architecture degree ready to go when he's done with footy.
Once he's settled into MLS, I wouldn't be surprised if he can even continue with his Masters in architecture on the side. Plenty of MLS players complete similar degrees part-time. Although there are busy periods, MLS is not 52-weeks-a-year full-time comparable to other careers.
Interesting... thanks for sharing this article.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto