Paterson Chosen in Second Round of MLS Draft
1/19/2018 3:07:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Wright State Men's Soccer player AJ Paterson capped a stellar collegiate career with his selection in the MLS SuperDraft by the New York City Football Club with the 19th pick of the second round (42nd overall). The first two rounds were held earlier today in Philadelphia.Â
Paterson, who was one of 60 players nationally to be invited to last week's Major League Soccer Adidas Player Draft Combine in Orlando, was the 2017 Horizon League Player of the Year, as well as a first-team Great Lakes Region and first-team All-Ohio selection.Â
"AJ Paterson deserves all that is coming his way," WSU head coach Bryan Davis said. "My father once told me 'every great thing that's been earned requires risk.' AJ took a risk committing to an exciting yet growing program, leaving Florida for Ohio. He let us coach him the whole way, and here he is today, a second-round pick in the SuperDraft. It couldn't of happened to a better man, and I am excited to see him progress in his future.
"I also have to credit my staff. This moment is for them too.  (Assistant Coach) Jake Slemker found him on a side field five years ago, and every day has been a voice in AJ's ear to push him for more. (Athletic Trainer) Adam Horseman kept him healthy, and also managed him so well to get him ready for this past season. I am proud to have coached AJ, and I am excited for what is to
come."
He appeared in 76 games with 47 starts in his collegiate career. The Key Largo, FL native had 15 goals and seven assists, including seven goals this season. In 2016, he was named to the Horizon League's second team and to the all-Horizon League Tournament team.
Paterson's selection marks the second consecutive year Raider players have been drafted. Jake Stovall and Peguy Ngatcha were among players selected in the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Stovall, a defender, was chosen by the Seattle Sounders in the third round, while Ngatcha, a forward, was picked by the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round. Stovall and Ngatcha become the second and third-ever Wright State players drafted by MLS, joining Winston Marshall, who was selected in the third round by the FC Dallas Burn in 2005.
Some other Wright State athletes drafted highly include baseball's Brian Anderson (third overall), Kieth Gordon (47th overall), Joe Smith (94th overall) and Mike Mathile (84th overall), Sean Murphy (83rd overall) and basketball's Vitaly Potapenko (12th overall).
The Raiders, 10-7-1 in 2017, have posted double-figure wins four straight years. For the New York City FC website, click here.
Â
Paterson, who was one of 60 players nationally to be invited to last week's Major League Soccer Adidas Player Draft Combine in Orlando, was the 2017 Horizon League Player of the Year, as well as a first-team Great Lakes Region and first-team All-Ohio selection.Â
"AJ Paterson deserves all that is coming his way," WSU head coach Bryan Davis said. "My father once told me 'every great thing that's been earned requires risk.' AJ took a risk committing to an exciting yet growing program, leaving Florida for Ohio. He let us coach him the whole way, and here he is today, a second-round pick in the SuperDraft. It couldn't of happened to a better man, and I am excited to see him progress in his future.
"I also have to credit my staff. This moment is for them too.  (Assistant Coach) Jake Slemker found him on a side field five years ago, and every day has been a voice in AJ's ear to push him for more. (Athletic Trainer) Adam Horseman kept him healthy, and also managed him so well to get him ready for this past season. I am proud to have coached AJ, and I am excited for what is to
come."
He appeared in 76 games with 47 starts in his collegiate career. The Key Largo, FL native had 15 goals and seven assists, including seven goals this season. In 2016, he was named to the Horizon League's second team and to the all-Horizon League Tournament team.
Paterson's selection marks the second consecutive year Raider players have been drafted. Jake Stovall and Peguy Ngatcha were among players selected in the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Stovall, a defender, was chosen by the Seattle Sounders in the third round, while Ngatcha, a forward, was picked by the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round. Stovall and Ngatcha become the second and third-ever Wright State players drafted by MLS, joining Winston Marshall, who was selected in the third round by the FC Dallas Burn in 2005.
Some other Wright State athletes drafted highly include baseball's Brian Anderson (third overall), Kieth Gordon (47th overall), Joe Smith (94th overall) and Mike Mathile (84th overall), Sean Murphy (83rd overall) and basketball's Vitaly Potapenko (12th overall).
The Raiders, 10-7-1 in 2017, have posted double-figure wins four straight years. For the New York City FC website, click here.
Â
Players Mentioned
Alex Van der Sluijs Postgame - 10/18/25
Saturday, October 18
Alex Van der Sluijs Postgame - 9/19/23
Wednesday, September 20
Alex Van der Sluijs Postgame - 9/16/23
Sunday, September 17
Alex Van der Sluijs Postgame - 9/2/23
Saturday, September 16
