Troy Dayak

Troy Michael Dayak (born January 29, 1971) is an American former soccer player who played as central defender.

Dayak (nicknamed Cowboy) grew up in Walnut Creek, California and attended Livermore High School.

Seventeen years old at the time, he was the youngest player to sign with the WSL or its successor leagues, the APSL and A-League.

Therefore, he was traded by the MetroStars to the San Jose Clash (later to be named the Earthquakes) in exchange for Rhett Harty and first round pick in 1996 College Draft.

He was a solid starter for the Clash until, in August 1997, he suffered a violent collision snapping his head backwards.

Nonetheless, in October 1997, he underwent surgery that fused a piece of bone from Troy's hip onto his 5th and 6th vertebrae.

After a long march to recovery, he rejoined the Clash in 1998, going on loan to the San Francisco Bay Seals for one game, only to be waived at the end of the season.

After a difficult recovery complicated by infection, Troy rejoined the Seals for the 2000 campaign as a player and coach.