MIAMI (January 11, 2019) – Former FIU men's soccer standout Santiago Patino (Orlando, Florida/Freedom H.S.) became the ninth player in school history to be drafted in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, when Orlando City SC selected him in the first round with the No. 3 overall pick. Patino, who resides in Orlando, but is a native of Medellin, Colombia, is the highest drafted player in program history, the fifth player to be selected in the first round, and the second-straight following Paul Marie who went No. 12 overall in the 2018 SuperDraft to the San Jose Earthquake. In addition, he is the ninth FIU player taken in the MLS SuperDraft. Patino was in Chicago for the Draft, along with FIU Head Coach Kevin Nylen, following his participation in the recent MLS Combine in Orlando, last week.
 
"This is a feeling that is really hard to explain," Patino told OrlandoCitySC.com. "God gave me the opportunity and I am glad that Orlando City opened the doors for me again. I was there for a little bit before I went to college, I had the chance to train with them, and I am familiar with the team and the coaching staff. I am happy that I am going to Orlando, I am glad that this is happening, and I can't wait to get started."
 
"Today is a great day for Santi, his family, and for FIU soccer," said Nylen. "Santi has worked towards this moment since the day I met him.  It is always great to see your players follow their dreams and watch them become a professional. Today is the start of Santi being a professional going number three overall in the MLS draft."
 
Patino appeared in 16 games for the Panthers during the 2018 campaign, starting in all 16, and playing 1,294 minutes. He logged 90-or-more minutes eight times during the season. One of the best players in collegiate soccer, Patino finished the season third in Conference USA in goals scored (12) and second in goals-per-game (0.75). He is also fourth in C-USA in points with 26 (12g, 2a), and third in points-per-game (1.62). In addition, Patino finished 11th in the nation in goals-per-game and 15th in total goals. Patino netted seven goals on the year in league play, and recorded his fourth multi-goal match of 2018, and the 11th of his career, with two scores against FAU Oct. 29.
 
Patino, who was recently named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Second Team, was also named the C-USA Golden Boot Award recipient – given to the top goal scorer in C-USA play – while also earning First Team All-Conference honors.
 
Patino finished his exceptional FIU career having played in 69 games with 51 starts and recorded 83 points on 37 goals and nine assists. He ends his collegiate career ranked seventh on the Panthers' all-time scoring list.
 
FIU's All-Time MLS Draft Selections
2019 – Santiago Patino: First Round (3^rd overall) Orlando City SC
2018 – Paul Marie: First Round (12^th overall) San Jose Earthquakes
2004 – John Pulido: Sixth Round (55^th overall) Colorado Rapids
2002 – Daouda Kante: First Round (11^th overall) D.C. United
2001 – Daouda Kante: Sixth Round (64^th overall) Miami Fusion
2001 – John Carroll: Round Six (65^th overall) Colorado Rapids
1998 – Tyrone Marshall: First Round (11^th overall) Colorado Rapids
1996 – Jeff Cassar: First Round (8^th overall) FC Dallas
1996 – Steve Ralston: Second Round (18^th overall) Tampa Bay Mutiny
 
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