Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Soccer's Lansing, Thorsheim Training in Denmark (UPDATED)
5/17/2013 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
May 17, 2013
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Mike Lansing and Chris Thorsheim, a pair of rising sophomores on the Bucknell men's soccer team, both trained in Denmark with the professional club in the city of Vejle. For Lansing, this was his second trip to the country, as he also made a trip there during Spring Break.
Another prominent men's soccer alum, Conor O'Brien '10, has become a star in the professional ranks in Denmark. O'Brien, a former Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, is a key player for FC Nordsjaelland, one of the top teams in the Danish Superliga.
Lansing and Thorsheim both had terrific rookie years for the Bison in 2012. Thorsheim started all 20 games at center midfield and ranked second on the team with four assists. He displayed terrific ballhandling and passing skills and earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors at season's end. Thorsheim was one of only two freshmen to earn all-conference accolades in 2012.
Lansing was Bucknell's No. 1 goalkeeper as a freshman. He made 18 starts and posted a league-best 0.86 goals-against average with five shutouts. Lansing was a three-time Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week. In January, he was one of three Bison student-athletes selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference in Annapolis, Md.
Lansing and Thorsheim checked in with some perspective on training in Denmark.
Chris Thorsheim (June 7, 2013)
After reflecting on my trip to Denmark and Holland, I can truly say that it has been a remarkable experience. I traveled to Holland for the final weekend of my trip to partake in an annual tournament located near Amsterdam. In Holland, we stayed with host families with another one of our teammates. I stayed with a Finnish keeper who was also a guest player for Vejle. The host family we stayed with had two boys our age and a 13-year-old girl. To my surprise, the entire family spoke English very well. They treated us as their own children throughout our stay at their house. The hospitality of these people definitely stunned me. Local families in Holland volunteered to house the players coming from all different countries, not only us. It just reflects not only the generous nature of these people but also shows how dedicated these people are to the game of soccer to allow this tournament to run smoothly.
We played three matches on Saturday. The games were only fifty minutes long. I was definitely nervous to step on the pitch with the squad, but when the opportunity arose I played with the same passion and intensity I would as if it was my own team. Our team ended up making it to the semi-finals which was to be held on Monday morning. On Sunday I had the chance to experience the beautiful city of Amsterdam. It was awesome to see how different it was than the United States. The Red Light District just epitomized how unique their culture is over there.
When Sunday came I was thrilled to see my name in the starting lineup. We were playing a professional team from Belgium who turned out to be the best team we played all tournament. At the end of regulation the score was tied at 1-1, which meant we were going into penalty kicks. That penalty shootout will be an experience I will always remember. To my surprise, my coach ended up picking me to take the second penalty kick. As I was walking up to the spot I couldn't help but notice the atmosphere in the complex. There were at least 300 people watching. None of these people had any affiliation with either club. They just were there because they love to watch the game of soccer. The energy from the crowed definitely made me uneasy as I anxiously awaited the whistle signaling for me to shoot. I ended up scoring the penalty to my relief, but we ended up losing in the shootout. Despite the loss, the tournament definitely helped me grow as a player and see where I stand with other international players.
I want to thank Michael Pedersen and his family for hosting me, and the Bucknell coaching staff for providing me with this opportunity overseas. I can't wait to be back on the pitch at Bucknell.
Mike Lansing (May 26, 2013)
Today was my last day in Denmark. What a weird feeling! I have spent a total of three weeks in the last few months here, but it feels like it has been a whole lot more. I have become so close with Michael and his family, who have been amazing hosts during my stay in Vejle. Also, the players have taken me in as one of their own, so today was a tough day knowing that I would not see some of them again. I know I'll be back in Vejle sometime next year, but there are a handful of players that I have come to really like that are leaving the club because they have reached the end of their contracts. That being said, I was honored to take the field with them for their last four games in Vejle.
I not only had a great time, but I gained experience by playing with them during a match, feeling what it was really like to play at such a high level. It was also a reality check, which showed me that I need to continue to push myself in training and focus on weaknesses, rather than bolster my strengths. Being here in Vejle and experiencing the professional world has reinforced my future plans and will be motivation for me during my future soccer seasons at Bucknell.
Today, we held a “Professional for a Day” session for a group of young kids. It was humbling to see how much they look up to the players and how excited they were when they got our autographs. That was me, a long time ago and it made me think of the days when I was in their shoes. It was a feeling that I could truly cherish and hold on to for a long time.
Following the session, Michael and I went golfing. Worst round of golf in my life (Danish courses are a lot harder than American courses), but I still had a great time and it gave me time to reflect on my visit and relax for a little outside the soccer environment. It was a great day to wrap up my trip and I have a lot of people to thank for making it possible. So, to conclude, thank you Michael and your wonderful family; thank you Coach Nash, Long, Ellis, and Haney; thank you to Vejle Boldklub Kolding and all of the players, and most importantly, my family for always sticking by me and supporting me.
Much love and enjoy the summer.
->Mike Lansing
Mike Lansing (May 17, 2013)
Travelling by myself for the first time out of the country was scary, confusing and stressful. I came into Vejle not knowing what to expect and completely unaware of what the professional soccer world was like. This second time around, I was happy to be accompanied by Chris Thorsheim, one of our central midfielders. I was no longer nervous about the level of play in Vejle and no longer worried about getting lost in Amsterdam's airport. Michael Pedersen, a close friend of Coach Nash and Coach Ellis, is hosting us during our two week stay in Vejle. He is extremely knowledgeable about the professional soccer world in Europe, and he has been closely linked to Vejle for many years.
The first time around I didn't know how much higher the level would be from Bucknell's soccer team. I was caught off guard from the first kick of our 40 some-odd year old goalkeeper trainer. It was not what I was expecting from him and I knew I was in for a tough week. I had to adapt quickly and learn as much as I could from watching the older goalkeepers. They were phenomenal mentors and our goalkeeping coach, even though he was unable to speak a lot of English, gave me tips and tricks to improve on techniques. I was able to see how I fared among the other keepers and see what level I needed to perform at to play at this level. At the conclusion of the week, I was happy to be informed that I was invited back and could spend another 2-3 weeks at the facilities.
Coming to Vejle this time around, I knew exactly what to expect and I was very confident on how I was going to play with the team. Six days in and I am just as confident, and I am happy with how I am playing. The team has taken me in as one of their own and it feels like a third family to me (Bucknell's team being my second).
Extra training with our goalkeeping coach and continuous mentoring from the older keepers has been very helpful and I have learned a remarkable amount. The training is hard, and mentally I am forced to push myself to fight through the pain. After training sessions, I have become the cook of the house; cooking meals for Michael, his girlfriend, Carina, his son, Simon, and Chris. Chris and I are extremely thankful for Michael taking us to watch Superliga games and other division games, as well. Last time, I was able to see former Bucknell soccer player Conor O'Brien play for the full 90 during his match against Midtjylland.
The tremendous hospitality of Michael has been much appreciated and the experience I am gaining from this trip is second to none. A week and a half left on my stay in Vejle and I am looking forward to learning more through my training with more experienced players and phenomenal coaches.
Chris Thorsheim (May 17, 2013)
When the opportunity arose to play in Vejle, Denmark with goalkeeper Mike Lansing, I couldn't have been more excited. Despite being thrilled to have this chance, I was definitely nervous because I did not know if I would be up to speed with the level of play or even if the language barrier would make it hard for me to communicate with other teammates and coaches. Coach Nash's friend Michael Pedersen was not only hospitable, but his passion for the game of soccer was evident. He organized all of our training sessions, introduced us to the coaches, and took us to several professional Danish games within the first week of arrival.
Lansing played with Vejle's 1st team while I trained with the Under 19's. I saw the Under 19's play against another team on Saturday to observe the style of soccer that they played. Despite the unfortunate loss, I could tell that the pace was high and they moved the ball very quickly. My first session with them was Monday the 13th. Before the session in the locker room all the kids were messing around, but as soon as they stepped on the pitch they meant business. The training environment was very professional and all the kids were extremely disciplined. We played several very tight possession games where I definitely needed to get the nerves out of my system. The level was very high even with the Under 19s. Everyone's touch was clean and their passes crisp to feet. The nerves were gone and I became more comfortable as the practice progressed.
It is now Thursday the 16th and I have trained three times with the U19s. We have seen two professional games and have gone shopping in the beautiful city of Vejle. It has been incredible to see how the lifestyle here revolves around soccer. Whether it is the crazy atmosphere at a Superliga game or seeing the multitudes of soccer fields every mile driving, it is evident that soccer is everything to them here. This weekend I will be traveling to Amsterdam with the U19s to play in a tournament. I am excited to have this opportunity to show what I can do on the pitch this weekend.
