Luis Barraza of Marquette University was named Big East goalkeeper of the year.
CHICAGO – New York City FC selected goalkeeper Luis Barraza (Marquette University) with the 12th overall pick and defender Abdi Mohamed (University of Akron) with the 43rd overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft at McCormick Place Friday afternoon.
City acquired the 12th overall pick from LA Galaxy in exchange for the 19th choice and $75,000 of General Allocation Money. With that selection, NYCFC selected Barraza, the 2018 Big East goalkeeper of the year.
“I had confidence my name was going to get called, I just didn’t know when,” Barraza said. “To hear my name called a little earlier than expected, it made my heart stop a little bit. I’m excited and ready to work.”
Barraza will join a goalkeeper corps led by Sean Johnson.
“I’m really looking forward to [playing with Sean and the rest of the goalkeepers],” he said. “He’s one of the best in the league. I just want to get there and absorb as much as I can from him. I’m really excited about this.”
Mohamed was taken with the 43rd selection. He appeared in all 24 matches for the Zips last year, scoring one goal and tallying five assists helping Akron to the NCAA Division I final.
“This was a dream of mine for many years and to finally have the opportunity to achieve it is a great feeling,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working hard for this wonderful club and amazing fans.”
