This past week was a testament to consistent success in Virginia’s soccer programs as four men’s and one women’s player were drafted to play in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, respectively.
On the women’s side, standout forward Veronica Latsko was selected 28th overall by the Houston Dash after another stellar season in which she led the Virginia women’s soccer team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. This marked the 13th-consecutive year in which the women’s soccer team has advanced to at least the Round of 16.
Individually, Latsko had an outstanding career, netting 26 goals combined with 14 assists. She will look to continue this success for the Dash next year in the NWSL, adding a cutting edge to the team’s scoring attack.
On the men’s side, goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell was taken in the first round at No. 19 by New York City FC, where he will join former Cavalier Claudio Reyna, who currently serves as the club’s Sporting Director. Caldwell had an illustrious career at Virginia, becoming the first Cavalier goalkeeper ever to earn all-ACC honors three times throughout his career.
Joining Caldwell in the MLS is dynamic forward Edward Opoku, who was drafted in the second round at No. 32 overall by Columbus Crew SC, joining several Crew players that hail from Ghana. Opoku was the Cavaliers’ leading scorer in 2017.
Also drafted in the MLS draft were midfielder Pablo Aguilar and defender Sheldon Sullivan, both taken by the Houston Dynamo in the third round, to bring the total of Virginia men’s players selected to four.
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