Whitecaps draft Corazza and Donald
January 24, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
The Vancouver Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations, Bob Lenarduzzi is pleased to announce the Whitecaps have drafted forward Andrew Corazza and midfielder Demetrius Donald in today's 2006 United Soccer Leagues First Division College Draft.
Round Overall Player Position School
1st 10th Andrew Corazza Forward Simon Fraser University
2nd 22nd Demetrius Donald Midfielder Queens University of Charlotte
Andrew Corazza
Forward
5'10", 172 lbs.
June 1, 1982 - Coquitlam, BC
Simon Fraser University
A standout with Simon Fraser University (SFU) Clan, Andrew Corazza finished his college career in 2005 as the all-time leader in goals (81) and points (179) for the Clan breaking Doug Cooper's 18-year old record of 138 career points. The 23-year-old Coquitlam native was named the 2005 NAIA Region I Player of the Year and to the All-Region I Team at the forward position. Corazza also played on the Whitecaps Reserve Squad last year and finished second in scoring in the Pacific Coast Soccer League with 15 goals.
The 5'10", 172 lbs Corazza closed 2005 with 50 points (21 goals, eight assists), which ranks fifth all-time for season scoring. His eight assists in 2005 was the highest season assist total of his career. Corazza's best game of the year came against Dominican University on September 18, when he netted a hat trick, the sixth of his SFU career. Corazza had six multiple goal games in 2005, and six game winning goals on the season.
"He's certainly proved himself at the university soccer level," said Lenarduzzi. "He has solid pace and ball strength, this combined with his great touch around the net, makes him a very dangerous threat every time he gets the ball."
With their second pick of the draft (22nd overall) the Whitecaps looked to solidify their midfield by selecting Demetrius Donald. Donald played last season with Queens University of Charlotte, in North Carolina.
Demetrius Donald
Midfielder
6'1", 185 lbs.
October 20, 1983 - Knoxville, TN
Queens University of Charlotte
"We're excited about drafting Donald. He's a versatile midfielder who can also play up front. He adds a strong physical presence and is not afraid to attack the box out of midfield," said Lenarduzzi.
Donald was named to the NSCAA/Adidas NCAA Division II All-American Team for the 2005 season after coming off his best season for Queens University, scoring 10 goals on the year and finishing with 30 points. Donald was the team leader in goals in 2002, 2004 and 2005.
The 22-year-old native of Knoxville, Tennessee is the recipient of numerous collegiate awards including the Carolinas Virginia Athletic Conference (CVAC) Player of the Year for 2005. He was also named to the 1st Team All-Conference in 2004 and 2005, and the 1st Team All-Region in 2005.
The Whitecaps regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 22 versus the Portland Timbers. Guarantee your seats for exciting Whitecaps action with full season tickets. A seat deposit of just $25 will secure the best available seats at Swangard Stadium for the 2006 season, plus priority purchase rights for the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium! For more information please call 604.669.WAVE (9283) or visit www.whitecapsfc.com.
USL First Division Stories from January 24, 2006
- Whitecaps draft Corazza and Donald - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Timbers pick two defenders in 2006 college player draft - Portland Timbers
- Lynx select standouts in USL First Division College Player Draft - Toronto Lynx
- Thunder selects two in USL First Division Player Draft - Minnesota Thunder
- Miami takes Rodrigues first in USL-1 College Draft - USL-1
- attery drafts young prospect in USL First Division Draft - Charleston Battery
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