Men's Soccer

Former Hartwick Standout Living a Dream

ONEONTA, N.Y. - Tyler Hemming is getting a chance to live a dream. While this dream of playing in the MLS has already become a reality in his first-year with Toronto FC, last Saturday became even a bigger thrill for the former Hartwick College men's soccer standout.

Hemming, who garnered back-to-back Atlantic Soccer Conference Player of the Year honors in 2005 and 2006, had been summoned from the reserve squad not too long ago. On October 13, he was inserted into the starting lineup for Toronto FC's match-up against David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy squad. Although Beckham didn't play, Hemming was on the same field as players like Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones.

"It's good to be back playing and I'm glad the coaches had the confidence in me to put me into the starting lineup for the game," said Hemming.

Hemming was off to a solid start to the young season as the London, Ontario native scored his first goal in a reserve game against Chivas FC on April 8, 2007. However, he suffered an injury which sidelined him for an extended period of time.

"This season has been a bit frustrating," said Hemming, who netted 10 goals and 21 points his senior year for Hartwick. "I have been injured for a lot of the season. I suffered a knee injury and missed three months of the year."

Following surgery and rehab, Hemming returned to the lineup and played a few more "reserve" games before seeing his first MLS action for the Reds on October 4 versus the New York Red Bulls. He entered the game in the 76th minute in Toronto's 2-1 upset victory, which snapped a 12-game winless streak. In his three appearances since being activated onto the main roster, he has averaged close to 50 minutes of action per game.

Toronto FC, 6-17-6 overall, will close out its inaugural season this Saturday at home against the New England Revolution.