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MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas Selects Five Players in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft

January 21, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas selected Nicky Hernandez (Southern Methodist University, 15th overall) in the first round, Colin Shutler (University of Virginia, 48th overall) in the second round and Thibaut Jacquel (Campbell University, 75th overall), Mark Salas (University of North Carolina, 76th overall) and Giovanni Montesdeoca (University of North Carolina, 79th overall) in the third round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.

Hernandez, 22, played three seasons at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He recorded eight goals and nine assists in 52 overall appearances for the Mustangs. Hernandez was named to the All-SMU Tournament Team in 2018 and AAC All-Tournament Team in 2019. He signed with FC Dallas' USL League One side North Texas Soccer Club in 2020, where he scored three goals and recorded one assist in nine appearances. The Duncanville, Texas native graduated from Dallas' Townview Magnet Center in Oak Cliff.

Shutler, 22, appeared in 45 matches at University of Virginia, where he recorded a 32-7-5 record. He was named to the All-America First Team by the United Soccer Coaches, College Soccer News and Soccer America, All-South Region First Team, NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team and ACC All-Academic Team in 2019. Shutler was also the first University of Virginia goalkeeper since Tony Meola to be named to the All-ACC First Team in 2019. He finished the 2019 season with a 0.59 GAA which was the country's lowest career GAA among active players.

Jacquel, 23, had 22 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances for Campbell University. He was named to the All-America Third Team and All-South Region Second Team by United Soccer Coaches in 2019. Jacquel was also named Big South Attacking Player of the Year. He helped the Camels claim both the Big South regular season and tournament championships during the 2019 season after leading the nation in goals (18) and game-winning goals (7).

Salas, 21, appeared in 62 matches for the University of North Carolina backline. He helped anchor one of the best defenses in the country during his sophomore year, only allowing 10 goals all season. Salas joined the FC Dallas Academy when he was six years old and captained the FC Dallas U-16 Academy Team that won the U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-15/16 National Championship in 2016. He was also part of the team that won the 2015 USSDA U-15/16 Championship. Salas graduated from Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas.

Montesdeoca, 21, recorded 13 goals and six assists in 37 matches for the University of North Carolina. He joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2014 and helped lead the team to the 2015 USSDA U-15/16 Championship, alongside fellow draftee Mark Salas. Montesdeoca's uncle, Jose Burciaga Jr. played eight seasons in MLS for Kansas City Wizards from 2001-2007 and the Colorado Rapids in 2008. Montesdeoca is also a Lone Star High School graduate.

Note: Any player on the eligible player list is available for selection even if currently playing in a domestic professional league. If they are on the SuperDraft list of players eligible for selection, and a team picks them, their MLS rights go to the MLS club. The MLS club then has the opportunity to potentially negotiate a contract.

Name: Nicky Hernandez

Full name: Dominick Gilbert Hernandez

Drafted: 1st Round, No. 15 Overall

Connect with Nicky: Twitter

Position: Midfielder

Date of Birth: September 21, 1998 (22)

College: SMU

Hometown: Duncanville, Texas

Height: 5-11

Weight: 160

Nationality: USA

Name: Colin Shutler

Drafted: 2nd Round, No. 48 Overall

Connect with Colin: Twitter

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of Birth: August 1, 1998 (22)

College: University of Virginia

Hometown: Middleburg, Virginia

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185

Nationality: USA

Name: Thibaut Jacquel

Drafted: 3rd Round, No. 75 Overall

Position: Forward

Date of Birth: March 13, 1997 (23)

College: Campbell University

Hometown: Saverne, France

Height: 6-1

Weight: 165

Nationality: France

Name: Mark Salas

Drafted: 3rd Round, No. 76 Overall

Connect with Mark: Twitter

Position: Defender

Date of Birth: July 30, 1999 (21)

College: University of North Carolina

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Height: 5-10

Weight: 150

Nationality: USA

Name: Giovanni Montesdeoca

Drafted: 3rd Round, No. 79 Overall

Connect with Giovanni: Twitter

Position: Forward

Date of Birth: March 28, 1999 (21)

College: University of North Carolina

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Height: 5-9

Weight: 167

Nationality: USA

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 21, 2021


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