George Washington University Athletics
Photo by: Jessica Stone Hendricks Photography
Osei-Wusu Sees Action with D.C. United
9/21/2018 10:32:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Former Colonial played in international friendly Wednesday
WASHINGTON - George Washington alumnus Koby Osei-Wusu saw action with D.C. United in Wednesday's international friendly against Honduran club CD Olimpia at Audi Field.
Osei-Wusu, who is in his rookie season with the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League, earned a call-up to the Major League Soccer club for the night and logged 17 minutes as a substitute during the 1-1 draw.
It was a special night for the Bowie, Md., native donning the Red and Black of his hometown squad before an enthusiastic crowd of friends and family.
"It was really cool for me being a kid from the DMV," Osei-Wusu said. "Growing up, I always went to D.C. United games. I wanted to be just like those guys. It's pretty amazing to be grown now and getting a chance to play with them."
Osei-Wusu has worked hard to make the most of his chance in pro soccer. The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Kickers as a trialist last spring as he was finishing up work toward his degree in Philosophy at GW.
After scoring three goals in five preseason games, Osei-Wusu earned a spot on the roster.
"It definitely wasn't an easy process," Osei-Wusu said. "Every day you know that you're trying to get a contract to sign with a team. You're trying your hardest in practice, and in matches, you're giving it your all. It's a little bit of pressure, but it also makes you play to your best."
Osei-Wusu has appeared in 18 USL games this season with 11 starts. His highlights included scoring a goal in a U.S. Open Cup victory over Reading United AC in May and later taking the field against the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the national tournament.
He also played against D.C. United over the summer in a scrimmage ahead of the official opening of Audi Field.
"I've learned a lot," Osei-Wusu said. "It's definitely a step above college. You really need to be able to adapt and keep working hard. I'm excited about my first season that I was given a lot of opportunities to play because not a lot of rookies even get a chance to play."
About two weeks ago, Richmond head coach David Bulow let Osei-Wusu know D.C. United, which has an affiliation agreement with the Kickers, might need reinforcements amid a packed schedule for its friendly with CD Olimpia.
It made for a whirlwind for Osei-Wusu and his six teammates who joined D.C. United. The Kickers hosted a home match on Sunday and are headed to Florida for a road game this weekend, so the group made a day trip to the nation's capital.
Osei-Wusu was given no guarantees he'd see action, but he entered in the 72nd minute as a substitute for D.C. United first-teamer Dane Kelly, who earlier had scored his first career goal for the Red and Black.
Osei-Wusu said the gravity of the moment hit him as he waited to check in, but once he got on the pitch, the nerves washed away.
"You're just having fun," Osei-Wusu said. "When you've been playing soccer your whole life, you just go out there and do what you're used to doing."
As his rookie season winds down, Osei-Wusu is optimistic about the future.
Wednesday's cameo on the MLS stage provides motivation to stay the course. He was back training with the Kickers on Thursday morning eager to build on such a memorable night.
"It was just a great learning experience," Osei-Wusu said. "Getting a chance to play against and with better players, you're always able to pick up things that will make you a better player."
Osei-Wusu, who is in his rookie season with the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League, earned a call-up to the Major League Soccer club for the night and logged 17 minutes as a substitute during the 1-1 draw.
It was a special night for the Bowie, Md., native donning the Red and Black of his hometown squad before an enthusiastic crowd of friends and family.
"It was really cool for me being a kid from the DMV," Osei-Wusu said. "Growing up, I always went to D.C. United games. I wanted to be just like those guys. It's pretty amazing to be grown now and getting a chance to play with them."
Osei-Wusu has worked hard to make the most of his chance in pro soccer. The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Kickers as a trialist last spring as he was finishing up work toward his degree in Philosophy at GW.
After scoring three goals in five preseason games, Osei-Wusu earned a spot on the roster.
"It definitely wasn't an easy process," Osei-Wusu said. "Every day you know that you're trying to get a contract to sign with a team. You're trying your hardest in practice, and in matches, you're giving it your all. It's a little bit of pressure, but it also makes you play to your best."
Osei-Wusu has appeared in 18 USL games this season with 11 starts. His highlights included scoring a goal in a U.S. Open Cup victory over Reading United AC in May and later taking the field against the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the national tournament.
He also played against D.C. United over the summer in a scrimmage ahead of the official opening of Audi Field.
"I've learned a lot," Osei-Wusu said. "It's definitely a step above college. You really need to be able to adapt and keep working hard. I'm excited about my first season that I was given a lot of opportunities to play because not a lot of rookies even get a chance to play."
About two weeks ago, Richmond head coach David Bulow let Osei-Wusu know D.C. United, which has an affiliation agreement with the Kickers, might need reinforcements amid a packed schedule for its friendly with CD Olimpia.
It made for a whirlwind for Osei-Wusu and his six teammates who joined D.C. United. The Kickers hosted a home match on Sunday and are headed to Florida for a road game this weekend, so the group made a day trip to the nation's capital.
Osei-Wusu was given no guarantees he'd see action, but he entered in the 72nd minute as a substitute for D.C. United first-teamer Dane Kelly, who earlier had scored his first career goal for the Red and Black.
Osei-Wusu said the gravity of the moment hit him as he waited to check in, but once he got on the pitch, the nerves washed away.
"You're just having fun," Osei-Wusu said. "When you've been playing soccer your whole life, you just go out there and do what you're used to doing."
As his rookie season winds down, Osei-Wusu is optimistic about the future.
Wednesday's cameo on the MLS stage provides motivation to stay the course. He was back training with the Kickers on Thursday morning eager to build on such a memorable night.
"It was just a great learning experience," Osei-Wusu said. "Getting a chance to play against and with better players, you're always able to pick up things that will make you a better player."
Players Mentioned
M
/ Men's SoccerGW Women's Basketball vs. Loyola-Chicago (WNIT Super 16 Post-Game Press Conference)
Saturday, March 28
2025-26 GW Athletics Jersey Recognitions
Monday, March 23
GW Women's Basketball vs. Bradley (WNIT Post-Game Press Conference)
Friday, March 20
GW Men's Basketball vs. St. Bonaventure (Post-Game Press Conference)
Thursday, March 05