New York City FC Select Goalkeeper & Defender in MLS SuperDraft
New York City FC added defensive assets with their two selections in the MLS SuperDraft held last week. The MLS SuperDraft was held at the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention with media in attendance as selected college standouts take the next step of their career.
MLS Soccer News: New York City FC selected goalkeeper Luis Barraza (Marquette University) with the 12th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft last Friday in Chicago. NYCFC also selected defender Abdi Mohamed (University of Akron) with the 43rd overall pick.
New York acquired the 12th overall pick from LA Galaxy in exchange for the 19th overall pick and $75K of General Allocation Money (GAM). With that selection, NYCFC selected Barraza, the 2018 Big East goalkeeper of the year.
“I had confidence my name was going to get called, I just didn’t know when,” said Barraza. “To hear my name called a little earlier than expected, it made my heart stop a little bit. I’m excited and ready to work.”
Barraza will join a goalkeeper group that’s led by Sean Johnson.
“I’m really looking forward to [playing with Sean and the rest of the goalkeepers],” said Barraza. “He’s one of the best in the league. I just want to get there and absorb as much as I can from him. I’m really excited about this.”
Mohamed was selected with the 43rd overall pick by New York. He appeared in all 24 matches for the Zips in 2018, scoring one goal and recording five assists to help Akron to the NCAA title match.
“This was a dream of mine for many years and to finally have the opportunity to achieve it is a great feeling,” said Mohamed. “I’m looking forward to working hard for this wonderful club and amazing fans.”
Photo Credit: New York City FC
