USL News Release

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

TAMPA – In a Saturday, January 12 feature article on USLSoccer.com, the Rage SC’s Corey Hertzog discussed his take on the Super Y-League ODP National Camps, his trip to Germany and the Czech Republic with the 2007 Super Y-League Select Team and his upcoming freshman season at Penn State University. Just over nine months later, Hertzog has utilized his Super Y-League experience, netting his first two goals in an upset victory over No. 17 Ohio State. His two strikes led the Nittany Lions to a come-from behind 3-2 win. For his efforts, Hertzog was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

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From January 12, 2008
Hertzog upped his stock by performing well at the Super Y-League ODP National Camps in each of the past two seasons. In 2007, Hertzog was one of the players chosen to the SYL Select Team, who visited Germany and the Czech Republic.
 

“The game in Germany was slower and more calculated,” said Hertzog. “They looked to hold the ball for long periods of time. They were also very big and very skilled in the air, a totally different style of soccer. They didn’t like the high level of pressure our American team played. It seemed to disrupt their tactics when we would press them in the back.”

“Playing against the professional youth academies in Europe taught me to play at 100% every time I step onto the field,” added Hertzog. “Just like these camps, it made me want to go out and work harder because, over there, if you are not at your best each day, there is someone waiting to take your spot from you.”

An incoming freshman at Penn State, Hertzog will be on the other side of that equation this fall as he will be fighting to break into the starting lineup amongst Penn State’s top returning players.

“Penn State was always my first choice,” said Hertzog. “I didn’t want to play somewhere too far from home. Penn State allows me to go back and forth every once in a while.”

In the summer Hertzog plans to remain with the ever-developing amateur system of the Reading Rage.

“Playing in the Premier Development League with the Rage is something I am looking forward to,” said Hertzog. “I have already discussed that with coach [Barry] Gorman (PSU). He said it would be fine as long as I begin to focus on college ball about a month before the start of the season.”

Hertzog got a taste of training with the PDL side this past summer as part of the Rage’s USL Super-20 League team.

“I started playing with the Rage about three years ago,” said Hertzog. “The entire experience has been very rewarding. They developed me into the player I am today and I owe a lot of credit to my coach Sean Murphy. My aim is still to play at the professional level and Reading has helped me get there.”