Perez Selected by LAFC in 2019 MLS SuperDraft
1/14/2019 5:19:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Perez Becomes Pitt’s Second MLS Draftee in as Many Years
PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh men's soccer midfielder Javi Perez was selected by the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) as the 16th pick in the third round (64th overall) of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas Monday, Jan. 14.
Perez becomes just the second Pitt men's soccer player to be drafted to an MLS club team, following in the footsteps of former teammate Pol Planellas, who was drafted in the second round (24th overall) of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by LAFC.
LAFC is coming off its inaugural season in the MLS, where it finished third in the Western Conference with a 16-9-9 (57 points) record. LAFC advanced to the Knockout Round of the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs before falling to Real Salt Lake, 3-2.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity LAFC has given me," said Perez. "It's an honor to be a part of such a great organization. Now it's time to get to work."
Perez is the second student-athlete to be drafted to the MLS from the University of Pittsburgh under third-year head coach Jay Vidovich and is the 37th professional player Vidovich has developed during his college coaching career.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity being presented to Javi," said Vidovich. "He knows, especially after the experience with Pol last year, that this an opportunity to try out for a fantastic organization. I believe that his abilities and talents mesh well with the way that LAFC plays futbol. I just want to wish him all the best as he continues his path in the game and thank him for everything that he's given us at Pitt."
Prior to being drafted, Perez participated in the 2019 adidas MLS Player Combine held in Orlando Jan. 3-9. Perez was joined in Orlando by Pitt assistant coach Michael Behonick, who was selected as one of eight coaches for the combine.
Perez was the Panthers' captain in his final season and earned Second Team All-ACC honors for the second consecutive year, while also receiving United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Third Team honors. The Valencia, Spain, native played a major role as the team leader and was an integral component to the Panther midfield. Perez ranked second on the team in points (11), goals (four) and assists (three) in 2018.
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Perez becomes just the second Pitt men's soccer player to be drafted to an MLS club team, following in the footsteps of former teammate Pol Planellas, who was drafted in the second round (24th overall) of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by LAFC.
LAFC is coming off its inaugural season in the MLS, where it finished third in the Western Conference with a 16-9-9 (57 points) record. LAFC advanced to the Knockout Round of the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs before falling to Real Salt Lake, 3-2.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity LAFC has given me," said Perez. "It's an honor to be a part of such a great organization. Now it's time to get to work."
Perez is the second student-athlete to be drafted to the MLS from the University of Pittsburgh under third-year head coach Jay Vidovich and is the 37th professional player Vidovich has developed during his college coaching career.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity being presented to Javi," said Vidovich. "He knows, especially after the experience with Pol last year, that this an opportunity to try out for a fantastic organization. I believe that his abilities and talents mesh well with the way that LAFC plays futbol. I just want to wish him all the best as he continues his path in the game and thank him for everything that he's given us at Pitt."
Prior to being drafted, Perez participated in the 2019 adidas MLS Player Combine held in Orlando Jan. 3-9. Perez was joined in Orlando by Pitt assistant coach Michael Behonick, who was selected as one of eight coaches for the combine.
Perez was the Panthers' captain in his final season and earned Second Team All-ACC honors for the second consecutive year, while also receiving United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Third Team honors. The Valencia, Spain, native played a major role as the team leader and was an integral component to the Panther midfield. Perez ranked second on the team in points (11), goals (four) and assists (three) in 2018.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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