Brian Cotlove had everything University of Portland soccer coaches looked for in a player: talent with potential to grow, a good work ethic, a sharp mind befitting a student who didn't require extra attention.

But Cotlove, a senior defender, started his Portland career with so few appearances, he almost became invisible.

A nagging, unusual injury kept him off the field for two seasons, including a redshirt year in 2002. Frustration almost drove him to put aside his aspirations and transfer to get away from the sport.

But as the Pilots prepare to open their season tonight against Creighton at Merlo Field, Cotlove, 22, is where he always hoped he would be -- anchoring the defense as a team captain. Simply playing soccer.

"After sitting on the bench for three years, there's nothing like getting out on the field," he said.

UP director of soccer Bill Irwin credited Cotlove for persevering.

"He's what I want all players to be," Irwin said. "A great role model, a great example."

The Pilots underwent changes from the team that reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Defensive anchors Paul Robinson (graduation) and Josh Brown (transfer to New Mexico) are gone. Forward Alejandro Salazar and midfielder Heath Pearce turned pro, Salazar signing with Sydney FC of the Australian A-League and Pearce joining the defense of FC Nordsjaelland of the Danish SAS Ligaen.

The team was dealt a further blow when junior forward Chris Sanders, the Pilots' second-leading scorer with six goals and three assists, broke a bone in his right foot during preseason camp. He underwent surgery Thursday and is expected to be out at least six weeks.

All the more need for Cotlove's steady influence, Irwin said.

"He has leadership and dedication," Irwin said. "He's embraced the position of captain. Everyone thinks it's easy -- just toss the coin. But there's more behind the scenes."

Much of Cotlove's growth, as a player and team leader, occurred on the bench.

A star defender at Highline High School in Seahurst, Wash., Cotlove said he was considering other schools when he met former Portland coach Clive Charles and chose the Pilots.

"After I met him, I pretty much had to come here," he said.

Cotlove received limited playing time as a freshman, adjusting to faster, elite soccer. "I was in over my head," he acknowledged. "And I knew that coming in."

But as Cotlove began his sophomore season, ready to compete for a starting spot, he began having pain in his pelvis. He saw several physicians without a conclusive diagnosis, and tests revealed nothing.

The pain made it impossible to play.

"The worst thing was putting on my clothes and sneezing," Cotlove said. "When I sneezed, it was like I got shot."

Cotlove took the spring and summer off, played in four games in the 2003 season and had to stop again.

"Basically, I just had two years of complete and utter frustration," he said. "I wanted to play. I was thinking of transferring, just to get away from it.

"I hated sitting here not doing anything."

The injury finally was diagnosed. Cartilage had pulled away from his pubic bone. The only cure was rest.

Cotlove began preseason camp last year pain free and determined, again, to compete for a starting spot.

"Brian was always a player who worked very hard and did what he was told and put it into practice," Irwin said. "Everything he did was first-class. He earned the right back spot and kept it all year."

Cotlove, a member of the West Coast Conference all-academic team, completed his degree in political science last December. He considered law school, but after enjoying his first full season of college soccer, he asked Irwin if he would have a role if he came back for his senior season.

Irwin was delighted. He made Cotlove co-captain with goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Cotlove, who is taking graduate classes, is relishing every moment.

"Last year was a new experience for me because I'd never had that role before, of being a consistent player," Cotlove said. "I'm cramming in what most guys get in four years into two years."