Sounders take Akron’s Zakuani with first pick in MLS Superdraft
Published 11:19 pm Thursday, January 15, 2009
ST. LOUIS — The expansion Seattle Sounders FC selected University of Akron forward Steve Zakuani with the first pick of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.
The Sounders begin play this spring.
The 20-year-old Zakuani, who was born in the Congo, led the nation with 20 goals and 27 points this season as a sophomore. He was Soccer America’s player of the year and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, given to the top NCAA Division I player.
“I’m excited. It’s an honor for me, honestly, and it’s a dream come true as well,” Zakuani said Thursday in a conference call. “I just really can’t wait to get started, you know? I’m so happy to be going there, to be playing for Coach (Sigi) Schmid, who I’ve obviously heard a lot about. He has a great track record and I respect him a lot as a coach, so I’m just ready to get started.”
Toronto FC selected Wake Forest midfielder Sam Cronin, another Hermann finalist, with the second pick. Cronin had 10 goals and four assists in his senior season.
The Los Angeles Galaxy took defender Omar Gonzalez of national champion Maryland with the third pick. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Gonzalez was the most outstanding defensive player in the NCAA College Cup.
With the 14th pick in the first round, FC Dallas selected George John, a midfielder from the University of Washington. John is a graduate of Shorewood High School.
