When Dana Taylor watches the U.S. national soccer team compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, he won't just be a fan. Taylor will also be watching one of his former players competing in the largest International sporting event.

One of the 23 players chosen to represent the United States is Robbie Findley, a former four-year starter at Oregon State University and Major League Soccer standout of Real Salt Lake. Findley, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., was recruited by and played for Taylor, who is entering his second season as the men's soccer head coach at Cal State Stanislaus.

Findley assisted on both goals in the U.S. 2-1 exhibition win over Turkey in Philadelphia on Saturday.

“Robbie is a great player! He is an exceptional dribbler of the ball while running at the opposition and he has an electric change of pace.  He's always had a knack of scoring goals and he did this repeatedly in the Pac 10 against some of the best players in the country,” Taylor recalled. 

During his four years at Oregon State, Taylor saw Findley gain valuable size, strength and confidence in the weight room which really shows while up against some of the bigger MLS/International players.

“I was most proud of was how Robbie learned to take a game on his shoulders and carry a team during those critical moments of a game,” Taylor said. “This was evident to me last year as he led Real Salt Lake in goals scored and to an MLS championship.”

Findley also helped lead the 2008 Olympic team through the qualification phase and has played in some big international games for the U.S. 

“I am happy for Robbie and wish him and his family all the best,” Taylor added.

Findley is just one of many that Taylor has recruited and coached that have gone on to play professional soccer during Taylor's 10 years at Oregon State. Below is a list of current and former pros:

Former Pros

Player	Pos.	Team
Peter Billmeyer	GK	FC Dallas (MLS)
Ross Duncan	D	Brisbane Strikers
Nick Donaldson	D	Leigh RMI FC
Mason Webb	MF	Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Nick Webb	F	Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Josh Elbaum	MF	Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Current Pros

Player	Pos.	Team
Greg Howes	MF	Seattle FC/US Futsal National Team Milwaukee Wave (MISL)
Evan McNeley	D	Orlando Sharks/Stockton Cougars (MISL)
Robbie Christner	F	Kitsap Pumas (USL)
Chad Bartolme	F	Loan to Grenchen FC from Delmonte FC of Switzerland
Josh Cameron	D	Portland Timbers (USL)
Brian Farber	F	Stockton Cougars (MISL)/Portland Timbers (USL)
Daniel Leach	D	On Loan to Dover Athletic from Barnet FC in England
Bryan Jordan	F	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Alan Gordon	F	Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
Ryan Johnson	F	San Jose Earth Quakes (MLS)
Robbie Findley	F	Salt Lake City FC (MLS)
Danny Mwanga	F	Philadelphia FC (MLS) 2009 No. 1 MLS Overall Draft Pick