BALTIMORE (Jan. 9, 2020) – FIU men's soccer standout
Daniel Gagliardi became the 10th player in school history to be selected in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, when Vancouver Whitecaps FC selected him in the second round with the No. 32 overall pick.
Gagliardi's selection marks the third-straight year that a player from FIU has been taken in the SuperDraft, following
Santiago Patino and
Paul Marie — who went No. 3 overall in the 2019 SuperDraft to Orlando City SC and No. 12 overall in the 2018 SuperDraft to the San Jose Earthquakes, respectively.
"It's such a surreal feeling when your name pops up," said Gagliardi. "It's what I've been working my whole life for and I couldn't be happier. I'm going to enjoy the day with family and friends, but tomorrow starts the biggest challenge of my life. I can't wait."
FIU men's soccer head coach
Kevin Nylen was filled with excitement upon Gagliardi's selection in the SuperDraft.
"Today's a great day for Danny," said Coach Nylen. "He has worked very hard, and we are all very proud of him being able to start his professional career. It's a great day for our FIU soccer program — that's three players in three years drafted to the MLS."
Daniel Gagliardi started all 18 games in the box for FIU during the 2019 campaign and posted a 10-3-4 record. Gagliardi led Conference USA in saves (67) while posting a .788 save percentage and a 0.93 goals-against-average to go along with five clean-sheets. The redshirt senior logged a total of 1,734 minutes while contributing greatly to FIU's undefeated start through the season's first 14 games. Gagliardi earned C-USA Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 29 and received All-CUSA Third Team honors following his impressive senior season.
The standout goalkeeper finished his exceptional FIU career having played in 33 games with 30 starts. Gagliardi allowed only 37 goals while collecting 132 saves and posted a 20-5-4 overall record with eight shutouts during his time donning Blue & Gold.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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FIU's All-Time MLS Draft Selections
2020 –
Daniel Gagliardi: Second Round (32
ndoverall) Vancouver Whitecaps FC
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
