Sandpoint soccer standout hoping to become first Native American in MLS

SANDPOINT - Already one of the 10 finalists for a roster spot on the Major League Soccer expansion Seattle Sounders FC team, Sandpoint's Chase Mikkelsen is hoping to not just make the final cut, but a little bit of history along the way.

Mikkelsen, a 6-foot-2, 205 pound center back who played on Sandpoint High School's first-ever state championship team in 2001, has emerged as a finalist from more than 600 regional players who tried out in Disney's Sounders Super Search, where one player earns a 2009 roster spot on the brand new MLS franchise.

While making the Sounders would fulfill the dream of being a professional athlete, Mikkelsen is most proud of representing his heritage as a Gros Ventre, Mont., Indian. He moved to Sandpoint when he was 2-years-old, and eventually was named the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year in 2001.

"I'm proud to be a native and hopefully can become the first Native American to play professionally," says Mikkelsen, who played four years at Fort Lewis College. "If I don't make it, I have a professional contract in Norway."

Mikkelsen was one of three players picked from a recent tryout in Spokane, which featured more than 80 participants. The other seven were picked from among hundreds of players trying out in Yakima and Tukwilla, Wash. All 10 will play in an 11 v 11 scrimmage on Jan. 31, which will be webcast live on the Internet, and four players will be picked as finalists from there.

"I think I have a good shot to be one of those four finalists," says Mikkelsen, who believes the coaches like his size. "They're looking for that diamond in the rough in the Northwest. People from Africa and England have tried out, as well as a kid from a small town like this (Sandpoint)."

The four finalists will try out the next day, on SuperBowl Sunday, and a distinguished panel of judges will award a spot on the Sounders roster. The tryout will air live on "King5" in Seattle following the SuperBowl.

"If I win, they fly me down to L.A. immediately," explains Mikkelsen. "We're all expected to pack like we've already made it."

Chase says watching the determination of his older brother Jason Campbell helped shape his soccer career. Another brother, Halvor Mikkelsen, is currently playing professionally in Norway. Chase also credits the coaching of Tom Attencio during his youth as being instrumental in getting him to this point.

Soccer fans in Sandpoint can also play a part in helping Mikkelsen's chances. All 10 finalists are currently featured on "www.king5.com," including videos, bios and comments, and fans can vote on each. The finalist with the most fan votes before Sunday will be guaranteed a spot in the final four, and a chance to make it onto the final tryout show.

Visit "www.soundersfc.com" for more information on the Super Search.