The SLU men’s soccer team celebrated the success of three of their former players as they were drafted to the MLS on Jan. 19.  Forward Vince Cicciarelli was selected by the Columbus Crew in the third round, forward Faik Hajderovic was selected in the fourth round by Sporting Kansas City and defender Tyler David was taken by the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Cicciarelli played his first three years of collegiate soccer at Notre Dame and transferred to SLU this past season to finish his career with the Billikens.  He led this year’s team with six goals and two assists, earning him second-team All-Conference honors.

Hajderovic, like Cicciarelli, transferred to SLU for his senior year after three years at the University of Evansville.  He had two goals and two assists on the season, and a team high of 29 shots.  He also had a career high of 25 assists, holding the record for the year for the most assists among active NCAA Division I players.

David played and started all four years for the Billikens.  He was an anchor in the backline for SLU and was a major part of the Billikens’ first place position for fewest goals allowed in the Atlantic-10.  He earned the honor of first-team All-Conference and had a goal on the season.

This marks the third year in a row that multiple players have been drafted to the MLS from SLU.  Four players were drafted in 2015, and two players were drafted in 2014.  This year marks the twentieth MLS draft, and 30 former Billikens have been drafted over that period of time.

The men’s head coach Mike McGinty could not be more proud of his players:  “All three of these players came to SLU to chase their dreams of playing professionally, and we are fortunate to be a part of helping them realize that dream,” he said.  “We look forward to following their careers and wish them the best of luck at the next level.”