Syracuse soccer had an incredible season that ended with the program winning its first national championship in the Orange’s history.
Now, multiple players are heading to the professional level, as the MLS held its 2023 MLS SuperDraft on Wednesday night. Per an announcement on cuse.com, Syracuse soccer had a total of five players selected from the squad and will look to make their marks on MLS fields when the season kicks off on February 25.
Let’s review which Syracuse soccer players were picked in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
Round 1/17th Pick: Abdi Salim (defender) to Orlando City SC
Abdi Salim was the first Orange player selected in the 2023 MLS Super Draft, and he will take his talents to Orlando to play for Orlando City SC. Salim will look to bring his tough style of defense, helping lead the Orange to 11 shutouts this season, and will look to make his mark on a team that needed the defensive help last season in Orlando City.
Round 1/29th Pick: Levonte Johnson (forward) to Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Levonte Johnson, who was one of the top players for the Orange this season and is a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC with the 29th pick. Johnson, who scored 11 goals for the Orange this season, is a great overall player and will bring his speed, agility, and field vision to the MLS.
Round 2/16th Pick: Amferny Sinclair (midfield) to Real Salt Lake
Amferny Sinclair, who would score the game-winning penalty shot that would bring the program its first national title, was selected in the 2nd round by Real Salt Lake. Sinclair will bring his talents, which include speed, style, and smart decision-making, to a team that is looking to be back in the playoff situation in Real Salt Lake and can be relied on in tough situations.
Round 2/23rd Pick: Russell Shealy (goalkeeper) to Los Angeles Galaxy
Russell Shealy is heading to one of the most popular teams in the MLS, the Los Angeles Galaxy, after being picked with the 23rd pick in round two. Shealy, who had 72 saves as the Orange goalkeeper this season, was a key player for Syracuse soccer as they made their title run this year and will bring his talents to the next level by joining one of the premier clubs in the MLS in the Galaxy.
Round 3/13th Pick: Buster Sjoberg (defender) to Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Buster Sjoberg is joining fellow teammate, Levonte Johnson, as he is heading to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, after being selected in the third and final round of the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Sjoberg will look to bring his style of play, his passing ability, and his speed with him, as he will look to be a part of a team that did not make playoffs last season.
From all of us in the Inside The Loud House family and from all of Syracuse nation, we wish these players the best of luck and look forward to seeing them take their talents to the next level in the MLS.