Pro Soccer Combine attendee Nikita Kotlov has landed himself a professional contract with Mosta FC (Maltese Premier League) after standing out at the PSC New York combine that took place in July.

The Indiana born striker had been three years out of the game and decided to try and reignite his professional career by attending PSC events. Having graduated from Indiana University he was selected 16th in the MLS draft pick in 2014 and signed with the Portland Timbers. In the 2015 season he signed for St Louis FC in the USL.

Nikita, aged 27, originally attended PSC’s Fort Lauderdale combine in 2018 where he performed well, but showed areas for development preventing him from getting an offer. He decided to work on the areas PSC’s staff and guest coaches highlighted and give it one more go this summer: “I attended the last combine in Brooklyn with the thought that this would be my last attempt to play professionally.”

Staying committed to his dream, Nikita demonstrated great perseverance and resilience when he returned this year to the tryout in New York. He found the competition challenging however he was determined to be persistent with reaching his goals. “The level was better than I expected and humbled me quickly so I started off quiet and gained more and more confidence each day.”

Mosta FC Head Coach Mark Miller has provided PSC with an official mandate to scout on his behalf at the event and PSC Director Tom Taylor, put Nikita forward to the club.

Having never been to Malta before, Nikita was very excited, commenting that, “I am most excited about being part of a team again” having not been part of one for four years previously.

“Most of my best friends are former teammates and I can already see that happening here!”

Life in Malta has began very brightly with Nikita scoring a goal on his Premier League debut and Coach Miller describing him as a Jamie Vardy type striker making an immediate impact with his teammates on the field!

Nikita found the PSC events to be highly organized and easy for him and others to take part in; I measure the organization in terms of how simple it was. I just had to show up at a certain time and everything else was taken care of.”

“The PSC staff was great and even though I didn’t have any issues, I liked how they were understanding of uncontrollable problems.”  He also mentioned that he’d like to thank PSC for the opportunity and for “the belief to have chosen me as someone they thought could make it in the game”.

PSC have 7 more tryouts this winter, including Fort Lauderdale and New York where Nikita was discovered. If you are looking to start your professional career please check them out here!