For many athletes, becoming a professional in their respective sport is nothing more than a dream. But for three Saint Louis University men’s soccer players, this dream is becoming a reality.
Last Thursday, Dado Hamzagic, Brandon Barklage and Kyle Patterson were selected in the Major League Soccer Superdraft, meaning they will soon get the chance to play professional soccer.
The Superdraft was held in St. Louis this year, with each of the 15 teams in MLS participating in four rounds of drafting, with 15 picks in each round. Players from various universities and clubs were a part of the draft; however, only the University of Maryland and Wake Forest University had more draft picks than SLU.
“This says a lot about the players, and it’s great for the SLU program,” Barklage said.
Barklage also credited the SLU soccer program for his own development.
“I’ve been surrounded by many top players while at SLU and the coaches have helped me along. The SLU community has also given me lots of support.”
His teammate Hamzagic also credited SLU for helping his development.
“[SLU] definitely helped me mentally and physically. Physically I’m a lot stronger, and mentally I’m stronger too, since I’ve had to deal with school and soccer at the same time.”
Hamzagic, a midfielder from St. Louis, was drafted by the New England Revolution with the 25th overall pick. Hamzagic had three goals and five assists for the Billikens this year.
Hamzagic leaves Jan. 30 to join the Revolution for preseason training and is very much looking forward to the opportunity.
“I was really happy [I was drafted] and I’m just looking forward to playing,” Hamzagic said. “I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates.”
Barklage is also from St. Louis, but has not been a Billiken his entire collegiate career. Barklage began playing at the University of New Mexico, transferring to SLU after his second year at New Mexico. This season, Barklage scored seven goals for the Billikens and had a team-high 10 assists. This impressive display netted him first-team All-Conference and second-team All-Region honors.
This display also impressed the MLS scouts as Barklage was drafted by DC United with the 36th overall pick.
“It was the best moment of my life,” Barklage said. “I actually started jumping up and down. Afterward I got a lot of calls from family, friends and old coaches.”
Barklage left for preseason training yesterday and said he was looking forward to joining his new team.
“I’m extremely excited. I have an opportunity and I just have to go out there and impress the coaches and try to make the first team,” Barklage said.
Patterson, the third Billiken drafted, is a midfielder from Birmingham, England. Patterson scored a team-high 12 goals this season and added five assists, earning him first-team All-Conference and first-team All-Region plaudits.
Patterson was drafted 48th overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy. According to Assistant Sports Information Director Brian Kunderman, Patterson is already in training with the Galaxy; therefore, he was unable to comment.
While MLS is still a fledgling league compared to other leagues around the world, there are still talented, elite players in the league, some of whom play for the Revolution, United and Galaxy. Hamzagic will be playing alongside U.S. National Team players Chris Albright, Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman. U.S. National Teamer Ben Olsen and 2007 MLS MVP Luciano Emilio will be playing with Barklage. Patterson will be playing with US National Team members Eddie Lewis and Chris Klein. He will also be playing with former England captain and arguably the most recognized soccer player in the world, David Beckham.
While Hamzagic, Barklage and Patterson have been drafted, they must still prove that they belong in MLS, playing against some of the most talented soccer players in the United States. However, with hard work, dedication and perseverance, this trio could soon enter the starting 11 of their respective teams and make an impact in MLS for years to come.
