Endeley has been getting his kicks on the pitch since he was a youngster. Soccer is in his DNA. “I’d definitely say it is,” Endeley said. “It’s the one sport that I’ve played my entire life. Soccer takes up almost all my free time – whether I’m playing it or watching it.” Endeley’s passion has paid off, as he was chosen in round one of the MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas – a capstone moment after an outstanding career at Totino-Grace HS and Indiana University. It is really exciting,” Endeley said. “Opportunities like this don’t come around. I’m definitely not taking it for granted. It’s really cool to be here, share the locker room with some amazing players and personalities. I’ve enjoyed every minute, every single second of it so far. I’m really blessed to have this opportunity.” While playing for Totino-Grace, Endeley carved a niche as a top-notch forward. In his senior season he scored 24 goals, had 11 assists, was chosen Mr. Soccer at the Class 1A level and made the United Soccer Coaches All-American team. Indiana wants me Endeley’s star kept shining at Indiana, where he led the powerhouse Hoosiers to a pair of Big Ten titles and two trips to the NCAA Finals. “Indiana was actually the very first college that recruited me,” Endeley said. “As soon as they came in and told me that they wanted me to come play for them I remember telling my parents I didn’t want to be bothered talking to any other school than Indiana.” It has been quite the journey for Endeley, who grew up in the Twin Cities, moved to Africa for five years, then boomeranged back to Blaine where his talents blossomed. Being close to a soccer hub like the National Sports Center fast tracked his success. “I was very fortunate to have grown up so close to there,” Endeley said. “The times when I practiced or played games at the venue it was always a very close drive. It was definitely very nice to live so close.” Minnesota homecoming Now he’s reached the pinnacle of North American soccer. Ironically Endeley and FC Dallas opened the MLS season last Saturday with a 1-0 loss in Texas against Minnesota United, his hometown team. “A lot of my friends back in Minnesota are big Minnesota United fans,” Endeley said. “They might be split on which team they want to support.” Things will be even more exciting for Endeley on April 30, when FC Dallas plays Minn U in St. Paul. “That would be really cool,” Endeley said. “There will definitely be a lot of people that I know, that I played against, or coached me or watched me play. Endeley also believes in giving back. While at Totino-Grace, he volunteered at Feed My Starving Children and at a senior citizens center in the Twin Cities area.
SOCCER SENSATION! BLAINE’S HERBERT ENDELEY GETTING HIS KICKS WITH FC DALLAS
Blaine, Minn. (3/2/2023) – Minnesota is not exactly a pro soccer hotbed. But that is slowly changing. In the December MLS SuperDraft, four players from the Land of Lakes were selected – including Herbert Endeley, who grew up in Blaine.
