Bulley Brings English Game To Buffalo
Dan Bulley has been Buffalo's leading scorer each of the past two seasons.
By Peter Schinkai
pschinkai@themacdaily.com
Buffalo — Dan Bulley grew up in England dreaming of one day playing in the English Premier League. He knew that he was good, and if he worked hard, then maybe he'd be able one day put on the shirt of a Big Four club.
With this dream in mind, Bulley almost always had a soccer ball on his foot. He was constantly playing the sport that he loved, and he got better every day. The forward from Exeter got so good in fact, that he ended up in a couple of clubs academies. First, with Yeovil Town and eventually at Plymouth Argyle where he spent two seasons.
One place that Bulley never expected to end up though was the University at Buffalo. However, if you understood the philosophy of UB coach John Astudillo, it would become apparent that Bulley was destined to become a Bull.
Astudillo has been at Buffalo since 1989 and it's safe to say that he's created a recruiting strategy that is tailored towards players like Bulley. When Astudillo starts each incoming recruiting class, he understands the importance of local talent, but has not forgotten what a little international spice can bring to a team. Last year, 40 percent of the Bulls players were born outside of the United States.
"If there is something that we're missing, like a dynamic midfielder or a goalkeeper, then we will look to Canada or Europe," Astudillo said. "We don't favor international players, but if we need more experience, then we sometimes look overseas."
It was because Bulley ended up looking overseas that he first appeared on Buffalo's radar. In 2004, Bulley was given a bit of a knock when Plymouth Argyle released him to go in another direction. He tried to earn a spot on another club, but didn't get far. So, with the desire to still make it as a pro soccer player, Bulley decided to come to the United States.
"Once you get released from a club, it's hard to get back in the game," Bulley said. "Playing in the NCAA is another doorstep into the professional game. It's also a good experience because, in America, they play the game differently than we do in England."
pschinkai@themacdaily.com
Buffalo — Dan Bulley grew up in England dreaming of one day playing in the English Premier League. He knew that he was good, and if he worked hard, then maybe he'd be able one day put on the shirt of a Big Four club.
With this dream in mind, Bulley almost always had a soccer ball on his foot. He was constantly playing the sport that he loved, and he got better every day. The forward from Exeter got so good in fact, that he ended up in a couple of clubs academies. First, with Yeovil Town and eventually at Plymouth Argyle where he spent two seasons.
One place that Bulley never expected to end up though was the University at Buffalo. However, if you understood the philosophy of UB coach John Astudillo, it would become apparent that Bulley was destined to become a Bull.
Astudillo has been at Buffalo since 1989 and it's safe to say that he's created a recruiting strategy that is tailored towards players like Bulley. When Astudillo starts each incoming recruiting class, he understands the importance of local talent, but has not forgotten what a little international spice can bring to a team. Last year, 40 percent of the Bulls players were born outside of the United States.
"If there is something that we're missing, like a dynamic midfielder or a goalkeeper, then we will look to Canada or Europe," Astudillo said. "We don't favor international players, but if we need more experience, then we sometimes look overseas."
It was because Bulley ended up looking overseas that he first appeared on Buffalo's radar. In 2004, Bulley was given a bit of a knock when Plymouth Argyle released him to go in another direction. He tried to earn a spot on another club, but didn't get far. So, with the desire to still make it as a pro soccer player, Bulley decided to come to the United States.
"Once you get released from a club, it's hard to get back in the game," Bulley said. "Playing in the NCAA is another doorstep into the professional game. It's also a good experience because, in America, they play the game differently than we do in England."
Bulley's first attempt at reaching the pro game through the NCAA was at West Texas A & M. He was a resounding success, and as a freshman, he led the team in goals with nine. He also added four assists in 19 appearances. However, there was still a problem — the Division II game was just too easy.
This is where Astudillo's recruiting philosophy came in. One of Buffalo's English transplants was Lee Catchpole, who was not only a great scorer at UB, but also was one of Bulley's friends from back home. The two Brits got to talking about Bulley making the switch, and he fell in love with the university.
"I went to visit Buffalo and it was great," Bulley said. "It had great facilities and everyone shared an ambition to win."
So, prior to the start of the 2007 season, Bulley transferred to Buffalo and gelled immediately with his new teammates. It didn't matter if they were from the USA, Norway or Jamaica, they were all one unit.
"In spite of nationality, everyone speaks soccer," Astudillo said. "What bonds us together is that teamwork is the same in any language. In every language, it's soccer talk."
Bulley's ability to pick up the MAC-style of soccer was evident instantly. He started in all 18 games of Buffalo's games in 2007, and once again was the team's leading goal scorer. But, not only did Bulley tally eight goals, he also became Buffalo's leading scorer with 19 points. His numbers dipped a bit last season, but Bulley remained the team's leading scorer in goals (6) and points (13).
As Bulley heads into his final season at Buffalo, he's focused on one thing — winning a championship. The Bulls have always been competitive in the MAC, but a title has so far been elusive.
"The competition in the MAC is fierce," Bulley said. "There is a hunger that every team brings. Our goal is to win the MAC this season. We were a good team last year and I think we can give it a go."
