Re-Post: 2010 NCAA Player Profile: University of Washington's Taylor Mueller

University of Washington co-captain Taylor Mueller, hailed as one of the Pac-10's top defenders in each of the last three seasons, believed the 2010 Huskies season ended on a successful note even without an invite to the NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament.

"Although it's a very bitter taste after not being picked in the 48-team playoff, we had an extremely successful season," Mueller said via email.

"I was very confident going into the selection that we would be picked, and we were playing our very best soccer of the year at the end. It was a very memorable season that I would compare to my freshman year when we made the playoffs."

A tough, tireless worker on the field since his prep days at Eastlake High School, Mueller paid extra attention to his foot skills when he arrived on campus. "This was something I really wanted to improve while I was at UW," Mueller said.

"I wanted to be the best foot-skilled defender on the field. Since my freshman year I feel that I have come a long way and have improved a lot with composure and skill on the ball."

The three-time All-Pac-10 Second-Team selection helped the '10 Huskies log nine shutouts. The central defender, known for being strong in the air as well as a solid tackler went up against some of collegiate soccer's most skilled attackers.

The Pac-10 has sent several skilled midfield and forward players to professional leagues such as Major League Soccer in recent years, most notably Oregon State product and 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist Danny Mwanga.

Mueller noted that Mwanga was the toughest forward he had to mark in college. "Seeing him chosen first in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft was really cool; knowing that we played against the number one pick during our season and off-season," Mueller said.

Now, the UW product hopes to make the leap to the next level, much like
former Huskies defender and current FC Dallas player George John.

"It is my preference to play in MLS, if it so happens to be in the Northwest that would be a dream come true, but playing in MLS is ultimately my goal," Mueller said.