Barnes realizes pro dream

As Duke's center back, Darrius Barnes distinctly recalled wanting to prove himself against a professional soccer team.

During the first game of his rookie season with Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, Barnes realized he finally had.

"My favorite memory is my first game," Barnes said. "Just stepping onto the field with my teammates. It wasn't realizing that I've made it, but that I've accomplished something."

Barnes will return to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary as his Revolution takes on the Carolina RailHawks in an exhibition at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Though he will be sidelined with a minor quadriceps strain, the Raleigh native has had plenty to keep him busy - including signing autographs and catching up with friends and family.

And there has been plenty to catch up on as he comes off a rookie season few expected.

Despite joining the team as the third-round pick of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Barnes solidified his spot on the roster by starting all 30 games during the regular season and playing the full 90 minutes in each.

"I thought he'd have a learning curve to go through when he first joined the Revolution last year," said Duke soccer coach John Kerr, who also played for the Revolution after graduating from Duke. "He exceeded everyone's expectations."

And that includes those of Barnes himself. The 23-year-old said it is still difficult to grasp the realization of his childhood dreams.

"I know it was always a dream of mine, but you never know how things work out," Barnes said. "I'd like to think I was lucky and so blessed at the same time. A lot of people want to play professionally, but I got the opportunity to."

Barnes' playing days began with the Triangle Futbol Club and continued at Southeast Raleigh High School, where he received MVP honors.

He remained close to home while playing for Duke from 2005-08, where he helped produce two ACC championships and an NCAA appearance.

He plays alongside fellow Duke graduate Mike Videira, both of whom have kept in close contact with their college coach.

"[Barnes] always gave his very best," Kerr said. "He always got the most out of himself. When you have a player like that, you use them as model citizens to build your team around. And that's what I did with the younger guys."

So far Barnes' best has proven to match up with the pros.

He said he doesn't think he's made it, though. Not with something to prove every day.

"Your spot is never solidified," he said. "You never know when your number is going to be called and when your number is not going to be called. You've just got to keep working and be ready when it is."