Wake Forest Athletics
Hayes, Ferrell Selected in MLS SuperDraft
1/13/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeMSoccer)
LOS ANGELES -- A pair of Demon Deacons took the first step into their professional careers as they were selected on the first day of the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Friday.
Jacori Hayes was selected 18th overall in the first round by FC Dallas, while Alec Ferrell was picked with the first selection of the second round, 23rd overall, by Minnesota United.
"Congratulations to both Jacori and Alec on being drafted and beginning their professional soccer careers," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "Both of them leave Wake Forest with their degrees, and it wouldn't be possible to have a better set of senior captains than these two and Ian. We couldn't be prouder of them for getting to achieve their dreams. Today has been a great way to cap off a fantastic year for Wake Forest soccer."
Wake Forest had a pair of players selected in the opening two rounds of the draft for the second straight year. Last year, Jack Harrison was picked first overall and Michael Gamble was selected 30th overall.
Hayes, a senior midfielder, caps off an illustrious college career with his draft selection. Winner of the Senior CLASS Award, Hayes was a First Team All-American and First Team Scholar All-American honoree by the NSCAA. He played in 81 career games at Wake Forest, totaling 45 points on 15 goals and 15 assists. He led the team in goals (eight) and points (19) this season, and 10 of his 13 goals the last two years went for game-winners.
"I'm absolutely elated for Jacori on his first-round selection," Muuss said. "He's been a model student-athlete and worked incredibly hard for us on and off the pitch. FC Dallas is getting a player with incredible talent, discipline and determination, and I'm confident he'll be successful at the next level."
Ferrell was the first goalkeeper drafted. He heads to Minnesota United, an MLS expansion squad. The Westlake, Ohio native earned 22 solo shutouts in 63 career starts, including eight shutouts in 16 games this year. He posted a 12-1-3 record and his .862 save percentage ranked second in the nation, as Wake Forest conceded less than a goal every other game.
"Alec proved time and time again that he was the top keeper in college soccer, and that was evident when Minnesota United made him the first goalkeeper off the board," Muuss added. "He's incredibly deserving of this opportunity and we expect him to excel in Minnesota."
Hayes and Ferrell guided Wake Forest to a 19-3-3 overall record and a national runner-up finish at the NCAA College Cup, as the Deacs also claimed the ACC regular season and tournament titles.
