Earthquakes Select Seattle University Defender Nathan Aune in Third Round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft
January 14, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - San Jose Earthquakes News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes selected Seattle University defender Nathan Aune in the third round (No. 50 overall) and then passed in the fourth round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft on Monday morning. Aune will have to be signed to an MLS contract before being placed on the Quakes' roster.
San Jose selected three players in the first two rounds of the SuperDraft in Chicago on Friday, including Aune's Seattle University teammate Sergio Rivas. The third and fourth rounds were conducted via conference call.
"Nathan is a physically-strong center back that shows potential and a solid presence on defense," said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. "We are excited to have Nathan join our organization and will work closely with our USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC as he develops within the Quakes system."
Aune, 22, was a four-year starter at Seattle University, where he made 79 starts in 80 appearances. The 6-4 center back not only led one of the Western Athletic Conference's strongest defenses, but also contributed six goals and an assist during his collegiate career.
During his senior year, Aune made 16 starts in 17 appearances and anchored a defense that conceded just 24 goals in 20 games. He was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference First Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team. He was also one of 31 players named to the Hermann Trophy watch list.
A native of Arlington, Wash., Aune had a standout season in 2017, making 22 starts and helping the Redhawks earn 10 shutouts for the second time in his collegiate career (2015), while allowing under a goal per game. He was named a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American, WAC Defensive Player of the Year and WAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He also received All-WAC First Team, WAC All-Tournament Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team honors.
As a result of his effort both on and off the field in 2017, Aune also became the first Redhawk to earn USC Scholar All-America First Team honors and was just the third player in Seattle University's Division I program history to claim All-American recognition.
Aune also competed for the Crossfire Premier of the Premier Development League (PDL) from 2017-18, which serves as the U-23 side for Seattle Sounders FC.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - Earthquakes select Seattle University D Nathan Aune in the third round (No. 50 overall) and pass in the fourth round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Nathan Aune
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Weight: 185
Born: Oct. 27, 1996
Hometown: Arlington, Wash.
Preferred Foot: Right
College: Seattle University
Images from this story
 Seattle University defender Nathan Aune |
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from January 14, 2019
- Columbus Crew SC Makes Two Selections in Third and Fourth Rounds of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - Columbus Crew SC
- Earthquakes Select Seattle University Defender Nathan Aune in Third Round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft - San Jose Earthquakes
- In Final Rounds, 27 Collegiate Players Chosen to Cap off 2019 MLS SuperDraft Presented by adidas - MLS
- FC Dallas Selects Three More Players in 2019 MLS SuperDraft 3rd, 4th Rounds - FC Dallas
- Dynamo Select MF Brad Dunwell in Round Three of the MLS SuperDraft - Houston Dynamo
- City Selects Scott DeVoss in the Third Round of 2019 SuperDraft - Orlando City SC
- LA Galaxy Re-Sign Midfielder Emmanuel Boateng - LA Galaxy
- LAFC Selects Two Players on Second Day of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - Los Angeles FC
- MNUFC Selects Rodriguez and Osmond in the Fourth Round of the MLS SuperDraft - Minnesota United FC
- Timbers Select Two Players in Final Two Rounds of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - Portland Timbers
- Sounders FC Selects Defender Aleks Berkolds in Third Round of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - Seattle Sounders FC
- FC Cincinnati Adds Forward Rashawn Dally in Third Round of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - FC Cincinnati
- United Select Two Players in Third Round of MLS SuperDraft - D.C. United
- FC Cincinnati Adds Forward Rashawn Dally in Third Round of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - FC Cincinnati
- Chicago Fire Selects Three Players in Final Rounds of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - Chicago Fire
- New York Red Bulls Pick Three on Day Two of 2019 MLS SuperDraft - New York Red Bulls
- Sporting KC Picks Defender Franky Martinez in MLS SuperDraft - Sporting Kansas City
- Frank de Boer, Atlanta United Finalize Technical Staff - Atlanta United FC
- FC Dallas Announces 2019 Preseason Training Schedule - FC Dallas
- MLS SuperDraft Concludes with Rounds 3 and 4 on Monday - Orlando City SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
