Milwaukee's Rosenthal Signs Professional Contract To Play In Sweden

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Greg Rosenthal, a senior on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee soccer team this past fall, has signed a contract to continue his career professionally with GUSK in Sweden. Gamla Upsala Sportklubb is a Division 2 team in the Swedish Football league system that plays their home matches at the Lötens IP in Uppsala.

Head coach Chris Whalley was happy to announce the signing for Rosenthal, who wrapped up a stellar career on the pitch this fall. He had received an opportunity in the USA first, training with Sporting KC in Major League Soccer before receiving the opportunity overseas. Kansas City is the MLS team that former UWM head coach Bob Gansler led to a league championship in the late 90's.

"As a staff, we pulled on all of our contacts and were able to get Greg a few different looks from teams both domestically and overseas," Whalley said. "Kyle (Zenoni), a former pro himself, was very proactive with helping Greg out and we are very pleased we were able to help him out. When I first meet Rosie, I realized he was a special player and told him if he gave me his very best for his senior year, I would do my part and help him get a contact. And, with the help of Kyle and Khaled (former Panther Khaled El-Ahmad), we were able to make this happen."

Rosenthal, a three-year team captain, capped his career by being named First-Team All-Horizon League following his senior campaign last fall. He scored two goals and had two assists on the season, including the tying goal against No. 22 Michigan State in the closing minutes. He started all 19 games for the Panthers in 2010 and began his career by earning Horizon League All-Newcomer honors as a freshman.

"This is a dream come true," Rosenthal said. "I have been working since I was a young kid to become a professional athlete, so it was the greatest feeling signing a real contract. I have had great support from the UWM staff and especially Khaled (El-Ahmad). The staff put in extra hours with me to prepare me for the next level. They are going to do great things and really made an impact straight away. I do not think I would have had an opportunity to play pro if it were not for the current Milwaukee coaching staff."

UWM alum Khaled El-Ahmad - who was born in Sweden but came to the USA to play for the Panthers - helped Rosenthal out during the Scandinavian transfer window, helping secure the trial in Sweden. Rosenthal played in one game before the club made an offer which will keep Rosenthal there for the remainder of the season.

"Greg is a good player with great character, who I believe will do well there," El-Ahmad said. "It is kind of funny how things come around. Tighe Dombrowski showed the way [Dombrowski played professionally in Sweden following his UWM career] and must be credited. Now I hope Greg can continue on that path of UWM alumni showing that they can play at the professional level."