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MLS New England Revolution

Revolution takes three defensive players in MLS SuperDraft

January 14, 2005 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


Baltimore, Md. -- The New England Revolution wrapped up the 2005 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas at the Baltimore Convention Center today having selected three players in the four-round draft.

In the 1st round, the Revolution selected defender Michael Parkhurst with the 9th overall pick. In the 2nd round (21st overall), the Revolution chose defender and midfielder James Riley out of Wake Forest University. With the 33rd selection (3rd Round), New England selected UC-Santa Barbara defender Tony Lochhead.

Parkhurst, who has duel citizenship in the U.S. and the Republic of Ireland, grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island as a Revolution fan and was in the stands at Foxboro Stadium for the first-ever Revolution game.

Parkhurst signed with Generation adidas after three standout years at Wake Forest University. A two-time NSCAA All-America Second Team selection, in 2004 Parkhurst was a candidate for the Hermann Trophy, the award for the top player in college soccer. He has international experience as a member of the United States Under-17 team.

In the second round, the Revolution reunited Parkhurst with three-year teammate James Riley with the 21st overall selection. Riley, a two-footed player who is comfortable both in the defense and midfield, captained the Wake Forest team in 2004 and captured two ACC regular season titles in four years as a Demon Deacon.

"Riley is a dynamic player," said Nicol. "He really gets up and down the line. He's also a good passer of the ball. He's just a slightly different kind of player than Michael Parkhurst. Obviously, he and Parkhurst played together at Wake Forest so they certainly complement one another."

"I appreciate this wonderful opportunity. Michael Parkhurst and I played together in the back the last three seasons at Wake Forest, so I think that combination is fantastic," said Riley. "My versatility is my strength. I enjoy playing as an attacking back and getting forward. I think I can put a lot of miles in on the flanks."

The Revolution then traded their 4th round pick to the Colorado Rapids to move up to the 3rd round. The Revs received the 33rd overall selection in exchange for the 45th overall choice and a player to be named later.

With the 33rd selection (3rd Round), New England selected UC-Santa Barbara defender Tony Lochhead. Lochhead, who anchored the defense for a UCSB Gauchos team that went all the way to the 2004 NCAA Division I final, is also a stalwart for the New Zealand National Team. Lochhead was a NSCAA All-America Second Team selection in 2004, and missed just five matches in a four-year college career, all because of suspension or national team duty.

"Tony, again, is slightly different than our other two picks," Nicol said. "Tony likes making challenges, he likes getting forward and he's a tough competitor."

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