The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB's De Oliveira 11th Overall MLS Draft Pick
1/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 20, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Senior midfielder Leandro de Olivera became the highest soccer player drafted in UAB history Friday. The two-time All-America selection was picked 11th overall in the first round of the 2006 Major League Soccer draft by the New England Revolution.
"He's a very talented attacking player," said Revolution head coach Steve Nicol. "He's going to put pressure on players who are starters now to keep their positions. He's exactly what we wanted."
The Revolution has had great success in the MLS draft in recent years. Nicol's previous two first round picks, Michael Parkhurst (2005) and Clint Dempsey (2004) went on to be MLS Gatorade Rookies of the Year. The Revs' two top choices before that, Pat Noonan (2003) and Taylor Twellman (2002), both went on to win league scoring titles and earn MLS All-Star status.
"New England is a great team," said de Oliveira. "I'm going to a good club. I'm really happy to be part of such a team and I'm looking forward to starting playing and joining a good group of guys."
"I'm excited for Leandro," UAB head men's soccer coach Mike Getman said. "He is a great player and a great person. I'm delighted he now gets an opportunity to show the world what he can do."
De Oliveira is the fourth Blazer selected in the exclusive MLS SuperDraft. Peter Byaruhanga (2nd round, 15th overall), Marin Pusek (4th round, 46th overall) and Tony McManus (6th round, 59th overall) are the others. De Oliveira is, in fact, the second-highest draftee from UAB ever, behind women's basketball's Deanna Jackson, who was the eighth overall pick of the WNBA's Cleveland Rockers in 2002.
The Brazilian playmaker was a two-time preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List member and Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He missed eight matches with a knee injury as a senior in the fall but still managed to finish tied for the fifth on UAB's all-time assist list in just over two seasons played.
De Oliveira amassed 13 goals and 19 assists for 45 points in just 49 career games. He was a Soccer America freshman All-American while playing for Connecticut in 2002. He earned second team All-America honors by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2003 as a sophomore for UAB.
UAB was 10-7-1 last season and a combined 32-19-6 with de Oliveira on the roster. The Blazers have had five players turn in MLS service in the 10-year history of the league.
