MLS SuperDraft 1st Round Pick Saad Abdul-Salaam Joins Scorpions

Published on April 1, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
San Antonio Scorpions News Release


SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Wednesday, April 1, 2015) - The San Antonio Scorpions and Sporting Kansas City have agreed to terms on a loan for Saad Abdul-Salaam, team President/GM Howard Cornfield and Head Coach Alen Marcina announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"After a standout career at one of the top collegiate programs in the country, The University of Akron, Saad was selected 12th overall by Sporting KC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft as a highly coveted young prospect," said Marcina. "He brings exceptional pace at fullback and adds quality and depth to our back line. He has strong potential for growth, so we look forward to working with Sporting KC - who we are very appreciative of - on his professional development."

Abdul-Salaam logged three goals and 12 assists in 54 games over three seasons at the University of Akron, including a team-high six assists in 2014, and was an All-MAC First Team honoree. He earned an invite to the 2015 MLS Player Combine, where he was a top-10 performer in both the 30-meter dash and vertical jump categories.

Sporting Kansas City selected Abdul-Salaam 12th overall in the first round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and he appeared in three preseason matches for the club this year.

"We feel that this moves bolsters our defense going into 2015," said Cornfield. "Abdul-Salaam is a very promising rookie and we want to thank our friends at Sporting KC for entrusting his development to us."

The 6'4", 185 lb Abdul-Salaam grew up in Gahanna, OH, and won a state championship with Gahanna Lincoln High School in 2009.

"I'm excited for the opportunity, I'm glad San Antonio is interested in me, and I'm glad I can come out here and perform, get more minutes, and help the team win," Abdul-Salaam said. " [Jon] Kempin and I had a brief talk, he picked me up from the airport and he said all good, positive things about the club ."

With the move, the Scorpions now have nineteen players on the roster for 2015:

GK - Sattler, Kempin

D - DeRoux, James, Zea, Attakora, Abdul-Salaam

M - Menjivar, Castillo, Forbes, Soto, Cruz, Chavez, Tsiskaridze, Gibson

F - Elizondo, Hassli, Palomeque, Cummings

The 2015 San Antonio Scorpions season is presented by deeproot Funds. The Scorpions will begin defense of their 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) Championship when the NASL Spring Season kicks off on April 4 at Toyota Field against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. For information on Scorpions season tickets, call 210-495-8686 or visit SAScorpions.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Soccer League Stories from April 1, 2015


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.

OurSports Central