Courtesy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2008 - 12:07 AM
 
By TIM PEARRELL
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Evan Slusser’s soccer buddies at Virginia Commonwealth University occasionally try to see if they can wipe the smile off his face.

"They try to mess with me," he said. "They always say, ’You can go up and say anything to Evan. He’ll just smile.’

"It’s true."

The 5-11, 165-pound sophomore has been beaming more than usual the past few days. The former All-Metro pick from Prince George High scored his first collegiate goal Saturday against Virginia, one of soccer’s traditional powers.

"I feel so good, I’ve smiled for like two days straight," said Slusser, whose Rams (2-3) will take on the crosstown rival Richmond (1-4) tonight at 7 at UR’s First Market Stadium.

Slusser was a goal-a-game scorer as a midfielder at Prince George. VCU coach Tim O’Sullivan has used him mostly as a defender. He put the versatile Slusser up front in the 3-1 win over U.Va.

"He’s a good enough player that we’re trying to find places for him to play," O’Sullivan said. "There are things he’s tremendous at. He’s got the heart of a lion. His work rate is tremendous. He’s a good young player who has good technique. His feet are good and he’s passionate about the game, so he’s willing to learn every single game.

"But he’s young. He still makes inexperienced mistakes. He’s close enough that he can make a contribution for us, and he’s versatile enough that we just keep inserting him in different spots to see where he fits."

Smiling, Slusser said he’s getting more comfortable playing defense. Grinning a little wider, he said he’s always comfortable scoring.

"Some guys like to take the ball from others," he said. "I like to kick the ball in the goal."

Slusser sent out letters to various colleges along the East Coast before his senior season in high school. Reciprocal interest, he said, was not overwhelming.
He didn’t catch O’Sullivan’s eye at first, either.

"In talking to more coaches they said, ’This is a guy you need to take another look at. He’s just one of those guys who doesn’t quit. His upside is just so big that you need to come watch him,’" O’Sullivan said.

Slusser’s energy is contagious, something that comes across not only on the field but in other areas. He taught himself to play acoustic guitar. He occasionally sits down for a session with his father or when teammates drop by his apartment.

"I didn’t say I could sing," he said.

He laughed when he said that.

Contact Tim Pearrell at (804) 649-6965 or tpearrell@timesdispatch.com.