James Georgeff

James Stase Georgeff (born 23 May 1983) is an Australian soccer player, currently playing in Europe. Georgeff is noted as being the first Australian to be 'drafted' to the Major League Soccer franchise in USA. He was drafted in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft to Dominic Kinnear's MLS Championship winning team Houston Dynamo, being once again alongside fellow long time friend and college teammate, US international and English Premier League Star, Stuart Holden. Georgeff was also drafted as the first overall pick in the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) franchise to Orlando Sharks, though he declined the offer to stay with Houston Dynamo. Georgeff's father was also a well respected soccer player in Newcastle, Australia; having been a member of prominent clubs and having had a training stint with Leyton Orient Football Club in England.

Early life
Georgeff was born and raised in Newcastle, Australia, Father Stase, Mother Suzana, and with one younger brother John Georgeff. Georgeff attended the Academically Selected Gosford High School through out his high school days. Georgeff's family is of Macedonian background.

Education
Georgeff attended the academically selective high school, Gosford High. He completed an undergraduate degree in Business Communication from University of Central Florida, USA; and currently obtaining a 'Juris Doctor'.

Soccer Family
Georgeff's father, Uncle's John Georgeff and Robert Jovanovski have had long standing soccer involvement. List of Association Football Families. Georgeff's father was also a well respected soccer player in Newcastle, Australia; having been a member of prominent clubs and having had a training stint with Leyton Orient Football Club in England.

Career
Georgeff started his playing days as a youngster with Adamstown Rosebuds FC, in the local league of Newcastle, Australia. After becoming the youngest player to play first division for the club (at 15yrs 10 months age) scoring 5 goals in 5 games; and after playing and scoring during this same season against the Australian U/17 national team in a friendly game; he sparked interest from several larger locally based clubs. Georgeff ended up signing the following season with the Newcastle Breakers who were members of the highest division in Australia.

After playing with Newcastle Breakers in the 2nd team system, not having had a first team appearance, Georgeff left Australia to train with Bulgarian Club Lokomotiv Sofia in the Bulgarian First Division. Following this season in Bulgaria, he made the decision to accept a full scholarship to Clemson University to play soccer, alongside some players who onto great professional careers. After 2 seasons with Clemson University, Georgeff transfered to University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. The reason of the transfer is unknown. After 2 successful seasons at UCF and captaining the team in his final year, Georgeff became the first Australian to be drafted in 2008 to Major League Soccer, and the Major Indoor Soccer League (as first overall pick). Georgeff turned down the first overall pick offer from Orlando Sharks to sign with Houston Dynamo on an international roster spot. Georgeff's spell at Houston Dynamo never gained him time in the first eleven and shortly before the end of the season Georgeff and the Dynamo dissolved contractual terms which eventually led to interest from other clubs in the MLS and Europe. After training with Portuguese Club Varzim SC, and FC Arouca Georgeff signed with FC Arouca on undisclosed contract terms.

After the 2009 season came to a close in Portugal, Georgeff had sparked interest from several clubs. Karl-Heinz Granitza was involved in the deal that brought Georgeff from Portugal to Germany. After being unable to agree to terms with Tennis Borussia Berlin who were aiming to rise to the 3rd Bundesliga from the German 4th Division, Georgeff made the last minute decision to sign with Torgelow SV, following with coach Dieter Timme.

Georgeff is currently with Torgelow SV on contract until the end of the 2013/14 season.

Business Life
Georgeff has been involved in setting up International Soccer Camps in the USA and player management at the professional and college level. Georgeff is also listed as a registered manager of an LLC in Florida, USA, involved in the Energy Sector.