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After an eventful and unexpected first round, which saw the club trade up to the #3 pick for Akron forward Jonathan Lewis as well as trading up to the #16 pick for UConn midfielder Kwame Awuah, NYCFC selected Xavier midfielder Jalen Brown at #38.
That second round choice was supposed to be City’s only pick of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Brown, 21, contributed to a total of 45 wins in 80 appearances for the Musketeers over his four-year ride, and received a Big East All-Tournament Team selection in 2014. Throughout his final year at Xavier, he amassed a total of six goals and three assists, both of which were career highs.
Check out some of the best from #NYCFC's newest rookie #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/G9KONez58r
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) January 13, 2017
While introduced at the draft podium as a midfielder, MLSSoccer.com has Brown listed as a forward.
In an interview with Cincinnati.com, Xavier soccer coach Andy Flemming said of Brown, "There’s no question he has MLS-level talent and when he's locked into both sides of the ball and plays the way he can, I expect to see his name called on draft day. His (explosiveness), ability to beat players and play in combination are at a high level.”
On behalf of everyone here at Hudson River Blue: welcome to the club, Jalen!