Nate Bascom participating in Preseason Training with Columbus Crew of MLS

By: Andrew Korba

ADA -- Former Ohio Northern men's soccer standout Nate Bascom is taking part in preseason training with Major League Soccer's (MLS) Columbus Crew in Bradenton, Florida.

The entire Crew roster is down at the camp, as well as some other invitees.

Bascom was invited as a trialist to the camp and is in competition for a spot on the team.

"The players down here are very skilled and talented," Bascom said. "It is a thrill to go against the top competition in the United States."

Bascom is one of the most decorated players in Ohio Northern men's soccer history.

For his career, he scored 56 goals which is tied for the most in school history.

In addition, he recorded 43 assists for his career and finished with 155 points, both school records.

This season, Bascom broke the school record for assists and points with 18 and 54 respectively, helping the Polar Bears reach the NCAA III Tournament Championship.

For his efforts he was named to the NSCAA and D3soccer.com First Team All-America and also earned D3soccer.com Forward of the Year.

On top of that, he was named Capital One Academic All-American of the Year.

The camp will run until February 2.

The Crew will practice twice a day and scrimmage a couple of team's while in Florida, with the first friendly being Saturday at 11 am against D.C. United.

"This is an amazing opportunity," Bascom added. "I didn't think I would be here four years ago. I am going to give it all I got and make the most of this unbelievable experience."