With the 26th overall pick in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, Toronto FC took 21-year-old defender Demetrius Omphroy from the University of California (pictured above, No. 11). A great day for him made all the greater considering this is actually his second chance at living his dream of being a professional footballer. His first chance was ended before he could sign a contract with a European club at the age of 17 because of a sudden loss of vision in one eye. For years his condition went undiagnosed, until it was finally officially diagnosed as multiple sclerosis in 2010.
Though Omphroy missed that first shot at playing in Europe, he fought back, maintained a fierce outlook and attended the University of California for four years, earning Pac-10 All-Academic team honorable mentions in the last three. And now he's ready to give the pro game another go.
From the Globe and Mail:
“I like to look at it like it tried to beat me once,” the defender said. “I was supposed to sign my first professional contract in Portugal [with Sporting Lisbon after a seven-month trial] and I had to come back because I lost the vision in my eye from multiple sclerosis and now that I’m able to manage it I’m kind of beating it myself. I’m getting to pursue my dream.”
Despite being warned by doctors that he might go blind, Omphroy’s vision gradually returned and the tingling in his foot subsided, and since being diagnosed, the native of Alameda, Calif., has had few problems coping.
“It’s all manageable,” he said. “I was able to find out early about it so I have to take these injections once a day and it’s not into the muscle, it’s into the skin. I’ve been symptom-free since I’ve been taking it.
“I’ve been changing my diet, eating organic food and from that I’ve actually been able to play to my fullest ability. It’s actually helped me become a more healthy person just because I have to watch and be careful what I eat.”
There is no known cure for MS, only treatments that attempt to prevent attacks and disability. And while these treatments slow the disease, the symptoms usually worsen as it progresses. Still, Omphroy should have a good chance at a full career on the pitch, especially with his impressive focus and determination.
Toronto's pick in last year's draft, 17-year-old Zac Herold, was forced to retire before playing his first professional match due to a serious heart condition. Omphroy's story of pursing his dream seems to be on track for a happier ending, though. Hopefully it stays that way.
Photo: The Daily Californian
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