Nolan Wirth’s road to the Phoenix Rising started with the Comox Valley United Soccer Club.
Back when he was playing U13 gold level with Upper Vancouver Island, Wirth backstopped the team to a runner-up finish at provincials. After stepping up to metro with UVI United, he represented B.C. with the U15 and U16 squads, and earned a bronze medal at 2011 nationals. Later, he tended goal for Canada’s U18 and U20 teams, attended the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program, and earned a scholarship with Oregon State University.
Wirth said his development took off once he moved to Vancouver. For three years, he trained every day after school with a goalkeeper coach.
He then played three seasons with the OSU Beavers in Division 1 of the NCAA.
“I chose to leave the school, but I left in good standing, so I can always go back and finish for free,” said Wirth, 22, who stands 6’1. “I just thought I was ready to move on and pursue new things.”
Phoenix is part of the 30-team United Soccer League. The Rising roster includes former English Premier League stars Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
“It’s incredible. He’s (Drogba) nearing the end of his career, but there’s still lots to learn from him,” Wirth said. “You have players that played all around the world, different ages, different steps in their career. Overall, it’s just better soccer.”
Wirth is one of three keepers on the squad. He only signed with the Rising this spring, so he has yet to play a game.
“Just have the foot in the doorstep.”
The coaching staff includes a goalkeeping instructor, who spends two hours a day with the trio of netminders, usually in the morning. Some days include an afternoon strength session. But when a free afternoon presents itself, Wirth tends to hit the golf course.
Phoenix is sitting mid-pack in the Western Conference of the USL.
The team needs to finish top eight in its conference to make playoffs in October.
“The position I’m in now, I just have to take it day by day,” Wirth said. “With the experience I have around myself, every day I have to see it and learn, and be open to everything. Especially learning from Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips. They played with the best goalkeepers in the world, so I’m sure they know something.”