North Carolina State University Athletics
Aiyegbusi Part of Historic Win over Manchester United
7/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
July 29, 2010
RALEIGH, N.C. - Any young soccer player growing up in England knows what the name Manchester United means. Each year, the Red Devils are not only one of the top teams in England's Premier League, but also one of the top clubs in all of Europe. Every young English kid that has a love of the game wants to follow in the footsteps of their ideals at Manchester United.
Former Wolfpack defender Korede Aiyegbusi was one of those kids. Aiyegbusi was born and raised in England before moving to the U.S. in late 2005. Although his favorite team growing up in England was his hometown Arsenal Gunners, Aiyegbusi was quite aware of the mystique of Manchester United.
That is what made last weekend so special for Aiyegbusi.
A first-year pro with the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS, Aiyegbusi got to play in an exhibition game against the European giant on their preseason North American tour. Aiyegbusi entered the game in the 58th minute, with Kansas City already a man down, and played as a central midfielder.
Aiyegbusi helped turn away many second half scoring chances by Manchester United, and Kansas City walked away with a huge 2-1 win, maybe the biggest win any MLS team has ever posted.
The Pack's former starting defender recently talked with GoPack.com about his experience.
GoPack.com: What kind of excitement did you have before the game against Manchester United even started?
Aiyegbusi: From walking into the stadium, there was so much excitement, maybe a bit too much excitement on my part when I got into the game. Just walking out, you are standing next to those guys you see only on TV playing in some of the top games. I quickly had to forget about who we were playing against, and get back to business and get focused on the game.
GoPack.com: Once you got into the game in the second half, where were you playing?
Aiyegbusi: I was playing in the center mid, but more on the left side and playing a defensive role. I was supposed to cut down their runs through the center of the field. We did a lot more chasing of the ball because we were a man down due to an early red card.
GoPack.com: Does anything from your performance in that game stand out to you?
Aiyegbusi: I would say my first couple of touches were not very good and I got the ball stolen. I settled down and just got into the game. One thing that people keep telling me is how I kept coming about their big forward, Dimitar Berbatov and bothering him every time he had the ball.
GoPack.com: What was the scene post game, did you get any mementos?
Aiyegbusi: I just took it all in and went around shaking hands. I was able to exchange jerseys with Fåbio, and I am going to send that back home and get it framed. I also took some time and got my picture with Nani, who I have always loved to watch play.
GoPack.com: How has your first season as a professional been going (Aiyegbusi was drafted in the second round of the MLS draft by Kansas City, and made his debut on March 27)?
Aiyegbusi: Being on this level is a lot different. We practice early in the morning for about two hours, and then basically have the rest of the day off. Luckily I have been able to take some online classes for NC State and continue to work towards my degree. I started off really well here, coming off of the MLS Combine, then hit a bit of a wall and had to go through some rough times. But I really think things have turned around, and I'm, making progress on the field. I just have to continue to be as consistent as possible.
GoPack.com: How do you like NC State's chances for the 2010 season?
Aiyegbusi: I really like the direction NC State is going in. We had a good season last year, making it to the ACC Championship game and then the NCAA Tournament, and I feel the program can build on that success. A lot of guys graduated, but I've heard the newcomers are really talented. Also, some guys that were on the bench last year are ready to step up into bigger roles. I will be watching to see how the guys do this year, and wish them nothing but the best.
