MLS Combine Special: UW’s Raphael Cox

By Sean Grybos

Seattle Sounders F.C. is set to debut as Major League Soccer’s newest franchise this season.  Raphael Cox remained close to home as the in-state midfielder competed at the University of Washington.  After a successful collegiate career, is he in the team’s MLS SuperDraft plans?

Cox, a left-footed midfielder, capped his senior season with 7 goals scored.  He also added 6 assists.  His 1.8 points per game were tops in the Pac-10.  All this offensive output earned Cox a spot on the first team of the All-Pac-10 Team.

Raphael Cox

When you reflect on the 2008 season, are you satisfied?

We had a lot of great moments this season but overall as a team it was very disappointing to not make the NCAA tournament after making it the past two seasons.  And as for my game, I think I can hold my head high on how I performed my senior season.

Can you talk about your equalizer and game winner against New Mexico in the Husky Fever Classic?

That was the craziest game I have played in at Washington. We went down two goals in the first half to a very good New Mexico team and it looked as if it just wasn't our day. New Mexico got two players sent off in the second half and one of our defenders scored a goal to rally our spirits. Then with like 10 minutes to go, I scored the tying goal to take it into overtime, where again I found the ball in the box and put it the game winner. I will never forget this game. It was a great team win and a defining moment for our team.

How has head coach Dean Wurzberger impacted you as a player?

I have much respect for Coach Wurzberger as a coach and as a person. He knows a lot about the game and is always trying to improve his coaching.  He has pushed me to become the better player I am today, ready for the MLS.

Is there any advantage to having a teammate at the combine?

Yes, I think there is an advantage to having George at the combine. It is someone you know and you can talk to if you have things on your mind, to make you feel more at home and calm.

What have you worked on in preparation for the combine?

I have been running everyday to stay in shape and lifting weights on the side to stay healthy. Also I have been training with local college guys and Sounders guys to keep my touch on the ball sharp for the combine.

How has the atmosphere been out in the Seattle area with the new franchise set to begin play?

There has been a huge buzz going around in the soccer community, people can't stop talking about how excited they are for this team to come in.  Now with half of the team picked, two coaches assigned and around 18,000 season ticket holders, it is looking like the ownership group is doing it right.

Would a dream scenario have you being selected by Sounders F.C in the MLS Draft?

I would love to stay home and play in front of all my family and friends here in Seattle, but I'm not ruling out any other teams.  I want to play soccer for a living. And I want that to be with any team that really wants me as a part of their franchise.

Sean Grybos is a contributor to Goal.com