The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Jerson Monteiro Drafted No. 8 Overall In MLS SuperDraft
1/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 12, 2007
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB men's soccer standout Jerson Monteiro was selected as the eighth overall pick in the first round of the the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft on Friday, becoming the highest soccer player drafted in school history. Monteiro was selected by the Chicago Fire with their first-round pick during Friday's draft, and becomes the second consecutive UAB player in as many years to be drafted in the first round of the MLS draft.
"I am very happy for Jerson and this is a great reward for all the hard work he has put in," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "Jerson is a dynamic player who has a knack for finding the back of the net. Chicago is going to be very happy to get a player of Jerson's caliber."
Monteiro, a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) second-team All-Midwest Region performer, had a career season for the Blazers in 2006. The Houston, Texas native led the team in goals (14), assists (7) and points (35) on the campaign. The 14 goals tied for fourth-most in a season in school history, while his 35points were fifth-best in UAB lore. Furthermore, the first team all-conference honoree, closed his career with 34 goals and 84 points during his outstanding career. Those numbers rank second on the school's all-time list.
Last year, Leandro De Olivera was selected No. 11 overall by the New England Revolution. Monteiro now becomes the fifth Blazer selected in the exclusive MLS SuperDraft. Aloong with Monteiro and De Olivera, Peter Byaruhanga (2nd round, 15th overall), Marin Pusek (4th round, 46th overall) and Tony McManus (6th round, 59th overall) are the others.
Additionally, Monteiro becomes the second UAB player drafted by the Fire, as the team also took McManus during the 2002 draft.
Monteiro matched former UAB women's basketball player Deanna Jackson (WNBA eighth overall pick by the Cleveland Rockers in 2002) as the highest draftee from UAB in school history.
