Wednesday, January 24, 2018 -- There were many Arizona connections in this past weekend's 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
The biggest connections are from FC Tucson, which should come as no surprise. They have always had a helping hand in preparing players for the next level. This year, Jon Bakero (5th), Danny Musovski (30th), Thomas Olsen (50th) Kevin Partida (58th), and Alfonso Pinheiro (71st) competed for the PDL side.
The Grand Canyon University Men's Soccer team made program history with the first player(s) to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft. Amer Sasivarevic was selected 57th overall and Jackson was selected 73rd overall.
Below is a little recap on the five players who competed for teams in Arizona but did not grow up playing youth soccer in Arizona.
--Bakero, F, attended Wake Forest and was selected by the Chicago Fire. The Spanish native played in eight matches during the 2016 season. Following the conclusion of this past season, he was awarded the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is given to the top male and female college players.
--Musovski, F, attended UNLV and was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes. He played in seven matches and scored four goals in during the 2017.
--Olden, GK, attened San Diego and was selected by the Colorado Rapids. He played for FC Tucson during he 2015-16 seasons.
--Partida, M, attended UNLV and was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes. He played in eight matches and scored two goals in during the 2017.
--Pinheiro, F, attended Albany and was selected by D.C. United. The Brazilian native, played in 24 matches and scored 12 goals during the 2016-17 seasons.
--Sasivarevic, M, attended GCU and was selected by FC Dallas. At GCU, Sasivarevic was four-year starter from 2013-2017. He appeared in 67 matches and recorded five assists. He also a member of the Real Salt Lake - Arizona Academy.