Wake Forest Athletics
Phelan Picked in First Round of MLS SuperDraft
1/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 18, 2008
BALTIMORE, Md. - Former Wake Forest midfielder/defender Pat Phelan was picked 10th overall by Toronto FC in the MLS SuperDraft on Friday at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore.
Phelan was most recently named an NSCAA First Team All-American, as voted by NSCAA coaches. Phelan splashed onto the Wake Forest soccer scene in 2004, entering as 2003 Gatorade Player of the Year. The Enfield, Conn. native started in 18 games his first season, started all contests in 2005 and played in 17 games in the team's 2006 breakthrough season. As a member of the defensive line, Phelan helped post a record-setting 13 shutouts last year and followed up with an incredible 15 shutouts in 2007.
Phelan started all games in 2007 for the Demon Deacons, making a smooth mid-season transition from defender to midfielder. In just his second game playing in the middle at the collegiate level, Phelan picked up his first career goals against Appalachian State on October 9. Following a game-winning penalty kick conversion in the 2nd minute, Phelan followed with another goal just four minutes later.
Toronto FC also had the ninth selection overall, and picked up Connecticut defender Julius James.
Phelan was just one of two ACC athletes picked in the opening round. Fellow College Cup standout Patrick Nyarko of Virginia Tech was chosen seventh by Chicago.
UCLA sophomore midfielder Chance Myers was the No. 1 pick by the Kansas City Wizards.
Wake Forest seniors Brian Edwards and Julian Valentin are the other Deacon representatives in the SuperDraft. To follow all four rounds of the MLS SuperDraft, which began at 2 p.m. on Friday and will continue into the evening hours, visit mlsnet.com.
