Calum Angus had to adjust to all the same things that a normal college student at Saint Louis University would have to adjust to. However, Angus also had a big adjustment to make on the soccer pitch as well.
The junior from Portsmouth, England, said there are big differences between the style of play in England and the style of play in the United States.
“Compared to SLU, it is much faster paced in England,” Angus said. “In America, it is more technique, while in England it is more speed, and there are more opportunities at goal. In England, games are more free flowing, so there are more goals scored.”
Angus made other adjustments in his transition to the States, including his position on the field and style of play.
“My style of play has changed. I used to play on the right side, and now I’m a central back,” Angus said. “I’m very vocal on the field and sort of a leader in the back, so whenever I get the ball, I just try to distribute it wide and make good passes.”
Angus played for the Portsmouth Football Club in England, where he was part of an under-18 championship team. Despite his move to the United States, Angus still follows Portsmouth Football Club’s progress.
“I have a couple friends who still play there,” Angus said. “It is close to my hometown, so my father still goes to the games. I am always on the team’s website, checking how they are doing.”
Angus said he began playing soccer at age 6, thanks to his father, and joined his first team at age 10.
“My dad got me involved with soccer,” Angus said. “He took me out to play with him sometimes, and since all the kids at school were playing, I also played there.”
Angus’ soccer career progressed at a fast pace, as a scout found him when he was 11. By 16, he was playing full time on scholarship in Portsmouth, and at 19, Angus trained with a professional team.
“The team offered six spots for young kids like myself to train, day in and day out, so I trained there for about three years playing other youth-level teams in Portsmouth,” Angus said.
For Angus, a communication major, playing for a club team in England has really helped his game here in the United States.
“Training with fast teams and training with professional trainers has really improved my game,” Angus said. “I combined some of the style I knew in England with the more technical style here in the [United States].”
Head coach Dan Donigan describes Angus’ play as incredibly emotional and passionate, with a style that can be elevated or dropped because of his emotions.
“Because of his international experience coming from England, he’s been surrounded by great players, and he wants to be a professional more than anybody I know,” Donigan said. “He has to direct his emotions to help him develop as a player, because he certainly has the talent and ability to get to the next level.”
Angus has been a big part of the Billikens’ success over the last two years. In his freshman season, Angus played in 12 games and started one; his only goal was a game winner in a match against Atlantic-10 Conference foe Duquesne. Angus was named to the A-10 All-Rookie team and receivedhonorable mention All-Conference.
The success he’s seen at SLU has led Angus to set high goals for his soccer career.
“My first goal is to help SLU win a national championship and then to go on and play soccer wherever it leads me, whether that is in the United States or back in England,” Angus said. “If that doesn’t work out, then I would like to coach either at the collegiate level or at the local level and work up from there.”
Angus’ most memorable moment in playing soccer was in a game against Arsenal, during which he said he played against some of the greatest players in the world.
“I’ve really enjoyed my experience with soccer,” Angus said. “The guys have been really good at helping me adjust to balancing soccer and school, and I credit the guys and coaches who helped with that.”
