Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons in the MLS
3/8/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
March 8, 2012
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- Major League Soccer's 17th season gets underway this weekend and at least 10 former Demon Deacons will be in the thick of the action at the outset of the 2012 season.
Below is a list of all former Wake Forest players beginning the 2012 season on an MLS roster. Five other former Deacs remain on trial or were recently released and are currently pursuing roster spots with other squads.
Another four WFU alums are on roster overseas. In total, 21 former Wake Forest men's soccer players sustain a professional career in various leagues spanning the globe.
San Jose Earthquakes - Sam Cronin and Ike Opara: Opara has been limited by injuries during his first two seasons, but was listed by SI.com as the top player to watch in the MLS for 2012. During the month of February, Opara started two matches, was selected as captain and scored a goal for the U.S. U-23 squad. Cronin enters his third season with the Quakes as well after establishing himself as a starter in the midfield during the 2011 season (27 matches, 22 starts and two assists).
Chivas USA - Michael Lahoud and James Riley: Lahoud scored a goal and notched three assists for Chivas USA in 2011 and returns after making 17 starts in 23 matches played. Riley was acquired via trade after being plucked from Sounders FC in the MLS Expansion Draft. Now 29, the veteran right back has appeared in 178 MLS matches and had been with the Seattle Sounders for the past three seasons. Riley was named the club's Humanitarian of the Year two years in a row.
Columbus Crew - William Hesmer: Started 32 matches in net during 2011 and has been a stalwart during the Crew's run of four straight playoff appearances.
Real Salt Lake - Cody Arnoux: Joined RSL in February of 2011 and was unable to make any appearance until the very tail end of the season due to injury. 2012 will be Arnoux's first full season in the MLS after a one year stint in Europe with Everton.
Chicago Fire - Corben Bone: Appeared in 10 matches with seven starts during second season in Chicago, notching his first career assist in May.
Philadelphia Union - Brian Carroll: Veteran defender enters 10th MLS season in 2012 after starting 30 matches a year ago. Carroll has never missed the MLS playoffs during a nine year run with D.C. United, Columbus Crew and the Union.
New York Red Bulls - Stephen Keel: Signed a new contract with New York in January after setting career-highs in games played (16), starts (13) and assists (2). He also started all three of the Red Bulls' postseason matches.
Colorado Rapids - Wells Thompson: Veteran midfielder returns to the Rapids after playing in 31 matches with three goals in 22 starts in 2012.
