Michael Wentzel still likes to talk about the Nittany Lion blood that proudly flows through his veins.
The ºüÀêÊÓƵ City SC central defender was born in State College, Pennsylvania, home of Penn State University.
So on Saturdays in the fall, while his teammates are watching the soccer teams of their youth, Wentzel is glued to the Penn State football game on television.
“It’s still part of me,†Wentzel said.
Wentzel spent the first few weeks of his life in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, home of the school’s prestigious football program.
Wentzel’s father, who was a professor at Penn State, moved the family to southern Germany when Michael was just 3 months old.
The family returned to State College during summer breaks on a regular basis. Michael attended his first Penn State football game at age 4.
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“I think I fell asleep in the stadium,†he said.
Wentzel still has faded but fond recollections of his short time in western Pennsylvania.
Now, he is making even more memories in the United States, this time in the Midwest.
Wentzel started his first MLS regular-season match Saturday and played 89 minutes in a 1-1 tie with Atlanta FC. He connected on 29 passes and banded with fellow newcomer Jayden Reid and veterans Tomas Totland and Tim Parker to keep the Atlanta offense in check most of the night.
“His number is 40, and he played like a 40-year-old center back who has been around the block a few times,†City SC coach Bradley Carnell said. “For the most part, he did his job.
“And then some — and that’s what’s required around here.â€
Wentzel has spent most of this season as captain of the SC City2 squad, a second-tier group that sports a 10-2-2 record in the MLS Next Pro loop. He played a full 90 minutes in 10 matches for City2 and anchored a back line that has posted five clean sheets.
Carnell said he was happy with the play of Wentzel, yet he wants to remain cautious about his future.
“We don’t want to hype him up too much right now,†Carnell said. “We put him on this pedestal, only for (him) to fall down. We’ll still go through with some video review moments.â€
Wentzel felt right at home Saturday in his MLS debut and is hoping to make an even bigger impact down the road.
He previously was an unused sub in two MLS games but did play 90 minutes in City SC’s 1-0 loss at Houston in a CONCACAF Champions Cup game Feb. 27.
“We young guys try to bring energy and play the best we can,†Wentzel said. “Then we see what happens from there. In the end, it’s about showing your quality and believing in yourself.â€
Wentzel is hoping to be signed to a first-team contract through the end of the season. If not, he will return to City2 for the time being.
Another shining debut
Much like Wentzel, Reid made his MLS starting debut Saturday.
The 22-year-old did not look the part of a neophyte.
Instead, Reid played a key role in a strong defensive effort that allowed City SC to snap a two-match losing streak.
“I’ve worked so hard for this, and I’m just happy that some hard work is paying off,†Reid said.
Reid, who played the entire match, did an excellent job of slowing down Atlanta midfielder Brooks Lennon, who did not have a shot on goal.
Yet Reid’s biggest moment came when he played a part in a goal by Indiana Vassilev in the 50th minute that snapped City SC’s 342-minute scoreless skid.
Reid, an Elmont, New York, native, sent a perfect long, looping cross onto the head of Klauss, who directed it to Vassilev for the much-needed tally.
The hockey-type assist will not make the scoresheet, although the goal would not have happened were it not for the integral play.
“I won’t count that as an assist,†Reid said. “But I (won’t forget) that cross, for sure.â€
Reid, who is also strong at pushing up from the back, spent most of this season serving a key cog for City2. He has recorded two assists in 13 matches and has been a rock at left back for a side that has won nine of its past 10 matches.
In his City SC debut, Reid remained poised under pressure. He was issued a yellow card in the 58th minute, but he stayed aggressive the rest of the match.
Last season, he was a rookie with the New York Red Bulls and played in one MLS game.
“A big thanks to my teammates and coaches for putting their faith in me,†Reid said.
Injuries have hurt City SC this season, especially in the back.
Now, Carnell has a couple more options to use in Reid and Wentzel.
“The platform is open for competition,†Carnell said. “I’ve spoken to all the defenders. Competition is a good thing. Keeps us all hungry and keeps the desire there.â€