I recently read your column about players from other countries wanting to play in the MLS. You stated that they don't want these million-dollar contracts. What about the athletes that play D-2 soccer? And have that same dream. I chose to play D-2 soccer because it was probably the best choice for me. Now, to make it to the MLS I have to transfer to a D-1 school. I have played with some of the best kids in the state of FL. and most of them could make the MLS with no problem, but no one pays attention to us. Explain to me why everyone thinks the best players in the U.S. go to schools in Boca ... and play for D-1 schools? Some kids don't have the luxury of their parents winning the lottery or being wealthy. I've had to earn my way by hard work, and now I feel discouraged because it's beginning to feel like it has been for nothing. I play at UNF, in Jacksonville, FL., which is a D-2 school and I just want someone to help me out here and tell me what I need to do to reach my ultimate goals. Thank you.

-- Victor Duncan, Florida.

MC: Victor, If you haven't noticed, there are several Division II players in MLS. Bo Oshoniyi, who played at Southern Connecticut State, recently won three games for the Kansas City Wizards while Tony Meola was injured. Felix Brillant, who played at Division II Franklin Pierce last year, has been a factor for the Revolution this year after being drafted in the sixth round this past January. The best example is probably Khari Stephenson, who was drafted in the third round of the 2004 SuperDraft by Chicago and now plays in Kansas City after spending his college career in Division III for perennial powerhouse Williams.

The best way for a D-II or a D-III player to get noticed is to play in the InfoSport Combine. It's not as prestigious as the one MLS puts on in Los Angeles, but there are plenty of MLS and A-League coaches in attendance. You have to pay your own way to get there, but so what? This year, it's being held just outside Orlando at the Seminole County Sports Training Center from January 5-7, 2006. Click here for an application: http://www.infosportinc.com/soccerapplication2006.html.

Good luck with the rest of your season.

Marc Connolly covers American soccer for ESPN Soccernet.com. He can be reached at: marc@oakwoodsoccer.com