March 28, 2007
IN HARMSE'S WAY
Player sticks it out with the Galaxy
By Andrea Canales, LASoccerNews.com Associate Editor

Kevin Harmse has outlasted a number of other Galaxy trialists, such as Laurent Merlin and John Thorrington, to still remain with the team.

"We still have Harmse and Ian Russell and we're contemplating what we're doing with them at the moment," stated Galaxy coach Frank Yallop. "We'll know pretty soon."

Though he has yet to earn a contract, the tall (6’1) defender/midfielder was optimistic.

“I feel I fit in very well so far,” declared Harmse. “Hopefully, there’s no hiccups and everything goes really well this season.”

Harmse has previously played professionally in Slovenia and Norway as well as in Canada for the Vancouver Whitecaps, a United Soccer Leagues team.

Yallop had been keeping tabs on the young, athletic player.

“He heard good things about me from the last national team camp, but I think I’ve matured quite a bit as a player since he last saw me,” stated Harmse. “I’m feeling much better and much more confident.”

Harmse played well enough to be called into Canada’s recent national team camp.

“Tactically, technically - I’ve just progressed as a player in plenty of genres,” said Harmse.

He compared Major League Soccer favorably with his previous experience abroad.

“[MLS is] Definitely up there with the highest,” noted Harmse. “We have a great team this year, one of the better in MLS, and that’s the best in North America.”

Though his trial has been extended again, while others continue to exit, Harmse wasn’t letting the uncertainty faze him.

“It doesn’t make me insecure,” Harmse contended. “I come out every day and do what I do best, work hard and hope things will go well.”

So far, it appeared things had gone well.

“Every game I’ve played, it’s gotten better and better,” said Harmse. “The first game that I played it wasn’t the best, and it’s just progressed since then. I’m fitting in with the team much better and know their tendencies a little better and hopefully it goes better from there.”

Of course, having a fellow Canadian like Yallop in charge helped Harmse’s comfort level.

“Definitely,” agreed Harmse. “He’s Canadian, right, but he’s super-chill and he makes a great atmosphere for the team.”